Access information on common Rheumatoid arthritis questions at Consumer Reports Health.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Questions to ask your doctor

If you've been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you may want to talk to your doctor to find out more.

Here are some questions that you might want to ask.

How do you know I have rheumatoid arthritis?
Is it going to get worse?
What can I do to stop it from getting worse?
Does rheumatoid arthritis run in families? Are my children at risk?
How can I control my pain?
Can I get addicted to painkillers?
What else can I do to manage my pain?
When should I start treatments to help stop my joints from wearing down?
What are the side effects of the treatments you recommend?
Is there anything I can do to help myself, such as exercising or changing what I eat?

This information was last updated on Mar 06, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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