some medical problems have symptoms that are similar to osteoarthritis so it's important that you get the right diagnosis. call your doctor if you have: sudden unexplained swelling warmth or pain in any joint. joint pain along with a fever or rash. pain so bad that you can't use your joint. mild joint symptoms that last more than 6 weeks and don't get better with home treatment. side effects from pain medicine. you can have side effects when you take large doses of aspirin or other pain medicine. do not take more than the recommended dose of medicine without first talking to your doctor. watchful waiting if you have mild joint pain and stiffness try home treatment first. if you don't feel better in 6 weeks or if you develop other symptoms call your doctor. who to see arthritis can be managed by: a family medicine physician. an internist. a nurse practitioner. a physician assistant. a rheumatologist. other health professionals may be part of the treatment team such as: a physiatrist. a pain management specialist. an orthopedic surgeon. a physical therapist. an occupational therapist. a dietitian. a social worker. to prepare for your appointment see the topic making the most of your appointment. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
i have or think i have osteoarthritis when should i contact my doctor?