When to call doctor when suffering from Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a life-long disease and is usually progressive in nature. Your doctor will advise you regarding the follow-up visits, treatment and care after diagnosis and start of treatment. Most people will need to visit a doctor according to their recommended scheduled visits. However certain conditions may necessitate a visit to a doctor. Read to know when to call a doctor for osteoarthritis.

[Read: How to Prevent Osteoarthritis]

• People with undiagnosed swelling or stiffness in the joints that lasts for more than a few days (>14 days).
• The diagnosis is not clear (whether it is osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis).
• Person with OA on medications such as ibuprofen diclofenac who develop severe GI side effects such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal discomfort, black or tarry stools, severe constipation.

[Read: Treatment for Osteoarthritis]

• If your pain of OA is not relieved by common pain relievers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen.
• Increasing severity of symptoms which cause disability or loss of mobility especially if there is rapid worsening of symptoms.
• If you develop signs of infection such as fever, redness, or joint swelling of a joint (this may indicate inflammation or an infection).
• If there is a trauma to the bone or joint from fall or injury.
• If you develop sudden inability to walk, bear weight, or significant change in function of a limb.

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