Frequently Asked Questions about Arthritis.
Last updated Tuesday, January 25, 2005
DiagnosisHow is arthritis diagnosed? It's important to find out if you have arthritis and what type it is
because treatments vary for each type. Early diagnosis and treatment
are important to help slow or prevent joint damage that can occur
during the first few years for several types.
Only a doctor can tell if you have arthritis and what type it is.
When you see your doctor for the first time about arthritis, expect at
least three things to happen. Your doctor will ask questions about your
symptoms, examine you, and take some tests or X-rays.
You can help your doctor by writing down information about your symptoms before your appointment. Bring your answers when you see your doctor.
Arthritis may limit how far or how easily you can move a joint.
Your doctor may move the joint that hurts or ask you to move it. This
is to see how far the joint moves through its normal range of motion.
Your doctor may also check for swelling, tender points, skin rashes or
problems with other parts of your body.
Finally, your doctor may conduct some laboratory tests.
These may include tests of your blood, muscles, urine or joint fluid.
They also may include X-rays or scans of your body. The tests will
depend on what type of arthritis your doctor suspects. They help
confirm what type of arthritis your doctor suspects based on your
medical history and physical exam and help rule out other diseases that
cause similar symptoms.
The overall results from your medical history, physical exam and
tests help your doctor match your symptoms to the pattern for a
specific type of arthritis.
It may take several visits before your doctor can tell what type of
arthritis you have. Symptoms for some types of arthritis develop slowly
and may appear similar to other types in early stages. Your doctor may
suspect a certain type of arthritis, but may watch how your symptoms
develop over time to confirm it.
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