To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What are your main symptoms?
• How long have you had your symptoms?
• How and when did an injury occur? How was it treated?
• Have you had any injuries in the past to the same area? Do you have any continuing problems because of the previous injury?
• What activities, related to sports, work, or your lifestyle, make your symptoms better or worse?
• Do you think that activities related to your job or hobbies caused your symptoms?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help? Be sure to include any nonprescription medicines you have taken. Did they help?
• Were alcohol or illegal drugs involved in your injury?
• Do you have any health risks?