16/09/2026
When a new patient walks into my OPD with joint pain, I always start with the same three questions — not because they're complicated, but because the answers tell me so much before we even reach the examination table.
First, I ask how long the pain has lasted. Pain that's been building for weeks or months behaves very differently from a pain that started yesterday after a fall.
Second, I ask whether it's in one joint or several, and whether it's on one side of the body or both. Symmetrical joint involvement — both wrists, both knees — often points toward an inflammatory or autoimmune process rather than simple mechanical wear and tear.
Third, I ask about morning stiffness — specifically how long it lasts. This one detail alone often helps me distinguish between osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis before a single blood test is even ordered.
None of these questions require special equipment — just a few honest, specific answers. That's why I always encourage patients to take a moment before their appointment and think through these details. It saves time, and more importantly, it helps us get to the right diagnosis faster.
My approach, always, is to treat the patient — not just the disease. Every consultation starts with listening.
Dr. Vishal Kaura Aggarwal, Consultant Rheumatologist, trained under Prof. A. N. Malaviya.
This post is for general awareness. Please book a consultation for personal diagnosis and treatment.
Save this before your next doctor's visit — knowing these answers in advance helps your consultation go faster. Book an appointment via the link in bio.
📍 ARP Clinic
B1/14, Safdarjung Enclave,
New Delhi, 110029
📱 +91 9711901255 | +91 9711476800
🌐 www.vishalkauraaggarwal.com
