Arthritis is a condition you can manage yourself to some extent, but you’ll still want to see a professional about it. If you’ve tried conservative therapy (such as over-the-counter pain relievers) that hasn’t worked for you, then it might be time to see a doctor. Also, sudden and excessive pain and swelling (and possibly fever) are cause for concern, especially for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as these symptoms could be signs of infection. Additionally, if your pain doesn’t improve with rest, or if you have arthritis pain along with other conditions, like stomach ulcers or GERD, then you’ll want to see a doctor about medications. As a chronic condition, arthritis should be treated with the assistance of a professional, so if you haven’t found one yet to help you with your arthritis, seek a professional out.