Preparing for an appointment

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

• Write down symptoms you have, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
• Write down key personal information, including recent life changes.
• List all medications, vitamins and supplements you're taking.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Your time with your doctor may be limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time together. For a Baker's cyst, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What caused this cyst to develop?
• What tests do I need? Do these tests require special preparation?
• Is a Baker's cyst temporary or long lasting?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
• What side effects can I expect from treatment?
• What steps can I take on my own that might help?
• Do I need to limit my activity? If so, how much and for how long?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• Do you feel pain or stiffness all the time, or does the pain come and go with activity?
• Does your knee swell, feel unstable or lock?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?