Arthritis is a painful and often debilitating ailment that may significantly disrupt a person's daily routine - but how can you determine whether the pain is severe enough to require a trip to the doctor?

Basically, if any pain lasts more than one week, it requires a visit to the associated doctor. While arthritis is a common condition, you should not delay searching for "arthritis doctor near me". Continue reading for our top recommendations for living with arthritis.

What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not considered a diagnosis. Instead, it refers to a wide range of diseases and ailments; determining which form of arthritis you have is the first step toward having the appropriate therapy and pain management plan.

Some types of arthritis require immediate attention and, if not treated properly, might result in permanent joint damage. This may help to maintain joint function and alleviate other potentially major health issues.

Most Common Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA is the most frequent type of arthritis. Some people refer to OA as degenerative joint disease or "wear and tear" arthritis, which affects the hands, hips, and knees.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) 
RA is an autoimmune illness that produces inflammation and severe swelling in affected areas of the body.

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that causes pain throughout the body, as well as sleep issues, exhaustion, and emotional and psychological discomfort.

Gout
Gout is a frequent kind of inflammatory arthritis that is extremely painful. Gout often affects one joint at a time.

Childhood Arthritis
Children's arthritis, often known as juvenile arthritis, can cause lifelong joint damage. This damage can make it difficult for youngsters to walk, play, or dress, and it may result in a permanent physical handicap.

Before booking an appointment with a doctor or medical practitioner, it's important to be aware of any potentially dangerous symptoms. These are:
- Pain, swelling, or stiffness in one or more joints;
- Tender red or warm joints;
- Joint tenderness or stiffness;
- Difficulty moving a joint or doing daily activities;
- Any symptoms that can cause you concern.

It may be especially necessary to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Joint symptoms that last three days or longer;
- Multiple bouts of common symptoms within a month.
- Self Care Tips for Flare-Up Prevention
- To reduce symptoms temporarily, a patient may take pain medicines, relax, and ice the affected area. If you do not see any improvement after one to two weeks, you should contact your orthopedic expert to schedule an appointment.

Here are some self-care tips to consider:
- Be organized;
- Manage your pain;
- Improve your sleep;
- Live an active life;
- Eat a balanced diet.

To manage mild discomfort at home, consider resting the joint and avoiding pain-causing activities.

If your parent's doctor has approved over-the-counter pain drugs, these may assist relieve pain.

Apply a cold pack to the region. If a cold pack is not available, a bag of frozen peas will suffice. This should be done for 15 to 20 minutes, several times a day.

Take a warm bath or apply a heating pad to help circulation and calm the joint. Return to an active lifestyle as soon as you can.

The simple fact is that joint pain can significantly reduce your quality of life. You owe it to yourself to treat the onset of arthritis as soon as feasible. A knowledgeable physician will be able to recommend the most effective treatment to help you manage your disease and prevent further wear and tear. If you're wondering, "Do I need to see a doctor about arthritis?" simply pick up the phone and schedule an appointment. Stop asking and take action!