Talking with Your Doctor Tool provided by Euflexxa

It is important that you discuss your knee pain and/or stiffness with your doctor. While these are key symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, there are other conditions that share the same symptoms. Only your doctor can diagnose OA of the knee. Your doctor will ask you questions and may order tests to help him or her determine the cause of your knee pain. Use the following questions as a guide for discussing your knee pain with your doctor:

• When did your pain start?
• How severe is the pain?
• How long does your pain usually last?
• What were you doing when you first felt pain in your knee?
• Are there particular times when you feel the pain and/or stiffness most (upon awakening, after walking, climbing stairs, etc)?
• What specific daily activities do your knee pain and/or stiffness prevent you from doing?

In addition, your doctor may ask you questions concerning your medical history:

• Have you had knee pain in the past?
• Have you injured your knee in the past?
• Have you had any kind of surgery in the past?
• Do you have any other medical conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc)?
• Is there a history of arthritis in your family?

These questions will help your doctor develop a diagnosis for your knee pain and/or stiffness. Remember, only your doctor can diagnose OA of the knee.