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

You can help your doctor 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 before? If so, do you know what caused the problem at that time? How was it treated?
• What activities make your symptoms better or worse?
• Do you think that activities related to your job or hobbies caused your symptoms?
• Do you do sports activities?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
• What prescription or nonprescription medicines have you taken or used? Did they help?
• Do you have any health risks?