Pain /Inflammation

Section 3: Self-evaluation

1. Index
2. Section 1: How a HEALTHY Musculoskeletal system works
3. Section 2: Painful Diseases
4. Section 3: Self-evaluation
5. Section 4: Glossary of Terms

The following self evaluation and questionnaires may guide you in identifying whether you could have arthritis, and assist you with questions to ask your doctor:

SELF-EVALUATION: Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?

1. Have you had pain or stiffness in your joints for 3 or more days a week for the last month?

YES | NO

2. Have you had swelling in your joints for 3 or more days a week for the last month?

YES | NO

3. Have you had stiffness in your joints, especially after not moving for an extended period of time (eg. moving in the morning)?

YES | NO

4. Have you ever been told be a doctor that you have arthritis?

YES | NO

5. Do you have pain or discomfort in a joint that has a history of injury?

YES | NO

6. Are any of your activities limited because of joint symptoms (stiffness, aching, loss of motion, pain)?

YES | NO

NOTE: If you answered ‘NO’ to all of the above questions, it is likely you do not have arthritis; however, if you answered ‘YES’ to even one of the questions, you should visit your doctor for a check-up to see if you may have arthritis.

It will be helpful to ask your doctor some important questions, should you be diagnosed with arthritis (see ‘Questions to ask your doctor’)

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR

Your time with your doctor may be limited, the following questions may assist you in making the most of your time with your doctor.

1. What kind of arthritis do I have?

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2. What is happening to my body as a result of my arthritis?

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3. What are my treatment options?

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4. What is the purpose of the treatment recommended?

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5. How and when will this treatment make me feel better?

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6. Are there any side-effects associated with my treatment?

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7. What should I do if I experience side-effects?

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8. What will happen if I don’t treat my arthritis?

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9. How is my arthritis likely to change in the future?

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10. What lifestyle changes should I make?

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11. Are there any self-help devices that can help me do my daily tasks more comfortably?

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12. What other health professional/s should I see?

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13. When should I return for a follow-up visit?

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NOTE: The answers you get from your doctor should assist in providing you with a greater understanding of your condition, and how to live with it and the treatment options you will need to take.

SELF EVALUATION QUESTIONAIRE

(Adapted from: Atlas of Rheumatology, 2nd Edition, Page 1.9)

Download this form and use to monitor progress at regular intervals once a month .

These exercises are for educational purposes, and are not intended to replace consultation with your doctor. When you visit your doctor, take your answers from the above self evaluation with you.

Disclaimer [1]
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[1] The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.