There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. The treatment for each of these types is different. Therefore, one of the first questions to ask when you arent getting better from your arthritis is this:

What is the diagnosis? Is it the correct diagnosis? A misdiagnosis could explain why youre not getting any better. For instance, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, you will need a very different set of treatments than if you have osteoarthritis.

Another question is this Are you seeing an arthritis specialist, a rheumatologist? A rheumatologist is the type of person to see if you have arthritis. They are specially trained to make the diagnosis and start appropriate treatment. If youre just taking over-the-counter medicine and you have arthritis that isnt letting up, you need to see a rheumatologist. If your primary doctor is treating you and you arent getting any better, you need to see a rheumatologist.

Another question to ask if you already are seeing a rheumatologist is this: Are you seeing the right rheumatologist? Patients often make the mistake of seeing the specialist that is part of their insurance plan. Big mistake! Insurance plans try to sign up doctors at the lowest price possible. To them a doctor is a doctor is a doctor. Would you go see the brain surgeon who advertised the cheapest price? Or how about the heart surgeon whos getting ready to cut on you would you try to negotiate a low price? Of course not! Then why would you do it for a specialist in a disease that can not only cripple you but can also significantly shorten life span (mortality statistics similar to untreated diabetes, heart attack, stage 4 Hodgkins disease!) You need to see an arthritis expert who will take the time to evaluate your case and put you on the treatment program thats right for you.

Another reason why you may not be doing better: Are you on the right medicines and the right dose of medicines? Sometimes a more aggressive approach is needed. If youre not getting better, you need to consider the fact that stronger medicines may be required. And here is where insurance companies sometimes place barriers. Sometimes the right medicine isnt approved by your insurance company. If your doctor says you should be on a certain medicine and you insurance company gives you the run around, fight back!

Finally- and this is something that will vary a lot- are you giving it enough time? I recently had a patient come in who had seen two other rheumatologists over a 3 year period of time. She then came to see me and complained she wasnt getting any better within the first 7 weeks. Sometimes patience from patients is called for. Dont be afraid to discuss this with your doctor.