Ask about devices that help, how to use them and where tofind them. There are many other tricks that can help. These may bestcome from consultation with a physical therapist or occupational therapist. Seeyour doctor on a regular schedule. The physician may need to check to make sureyou have no side effects from drugs and he or she can look for other clues thatmay not be obvious to you.
Possible complications depend on the exact type of arthritis.
Patients witharthritis due to systemic lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can have problems withtheir internal organs so that any symptoms should be discussed with physiciansto see if they are related and may require further treatment. People with goutcan get kidney stones. Once you know your diagnosis, ask your doctor if thereare some such warning symptoms you should keep in the back of your mind. Arthritis of any kind can progress to the point of joint destruction anddisability. Fortunately, orthopedic surgery has made dramatic advances for thosewith advanced disease.