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?
• Have you had this problem in the past? If so, do you know what caused the problem at that time? How was it treated? What do you think is causing your symptoms now?
• What activities make your symptoms better or worse? Have you started any new activities, sports, or training techniques?
• Do you think that activities related to your job or hobbies caused your symptoms?
• What home treatment have you tried? Did it help? Be sure to include any nonprescription medications you have taken. Did they help?
• Have you started any new medications, or have you had a change in the dosage of a medication?
• Do you have any health risks?