Describing Pain So Your Doctor Pinpoint a Diagnosis

How well you can talk to your doctor about arthritis pain will affect how capably it can be treated

Different locations and types of pain indicate different ailments, from the aching pain of arthritis to the throbbing of a headache or gout.New Africa/Shutterstock

Chronic pain caused by arthritis can be debilitating for many people. Discussing the pain with a doctor and putting symptoms into words can help you get better treatment for the specific pain you may be experiencing.

Many people find it hard to communicate with their doctor about how much pain they are feeling. Because of this, The Arthritis Foundation created a guide with suggestions for expressing pain and discomfort through words. It includes questions such as “What does the pain feel like?” or “How does the pain affect your life?” and specific details to share.