How to Talk to Your Doctor About Joint Pain

Many have trouble understanding when they should talk to a doctor about their joint pain and continue to brush it off as no-big-deal. How do you know when it's time? Early acknowledgement can help keep your joints in tip-top shape. At Community's Center for Joint Health, we give our patients the tools and education they need to progressively remove chronic joint pain and replace it with a higher standard of living.

When joint impairment isn’t getting better in your expected timeframe, or previous management methods aren’t working like they used to, come on in and talk to a specialist.

Before Your Joint Health Appointment

Be prepared. Keep a joint symptom diary for a week, making notes about: 

• What time of day the joint symptoms are at their worst
• What home remedies help
• Which activities seem to make the pain better
• Which activities seem to make the pain worse
• Document the intensity of your symptoms. On a scale of 1-10, use a number to describe the severity for each activity you perform
  • (For example, 1 meaning little to no joint paint, 10 meaning the symptoms are unbearable)

During Your Appointment

Share your concerns. Your provider will appreciate if you:

• Share your joint symptom diary and learnings
• Describe how your symptoms limit or affect your activities and quality of life
• Be specific. For example, “My symptoms keep me from walking and gardening.”
• Limit your list of concerns to the top three most bothersome. This helps the doctor focus on each point fully and prioritize your needs.

We’re here for you even during COVID-19. With enhanced cleaning and sanitizing, social distancing and infection protocols that align with CDC recommendations, there’s no safer place to be. Your care team consists of a joint care coordinator, physical therapist, nurse and social worker to guide you through.

There are many ways you can take the next step. Attend our online Hip and Knee Pain Seminar for more information.

Understand your risk and joint health by taking our Health Risk Assessment.

If you’re ready to speak to a doctor about your joint health, find the right provider for you.