How is arthritis diagnosed

This is a protein that is elevated when there is inflammation in the body as in some types of arthritis. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate also called ESR or sed rate. This measures how quickly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube. It is also elevated when there is inflammation in the body. This occurs in some types of arthritis. Hematocrit PCV, packed cell volume.

Measures the number of red blood cells present in a sample of blood. Low levels of red blood cells anemia are common in people with some types of arthritis. Rheumatoid factor. Checks for an antibody that is present in most people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Laboratory examination of urine to check for kidney disease that may be associated with several types of arthritis. Imaging techniques may give your healthcare provider a clearer picture of what is happening to your joint s. Imaging techniques may include the following:. X-rays may show joint changes and bone damage found in some types of arthritis. Other imaging tests may also be done. Ultrasound uses sound waves not radiation to see the quality of synovial tissue, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

Magnetic resonance imaging MRI. MRI images are more detailed than X-rays. They may show damage to joints, including muscles, ligaments, and cartilage. This procedure uses a thin tube containing a light and camera arthroscope to look inside the joint. The arthroscope is inserted into the joint through a small incision.

Images of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen. Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now! Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

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Diagnosing Arthritis Information about symptoms, health and lifestyle habits will help determine the type of arthritis you have. Physical Exam Your doctor will also conduct a physical exam. Outside links: For the convenience of our users, RadiologyInfo. Toggle navigation. What is arthritis? How is arthritis diagnosed and evaluated? How is arthritis treated? Which test, procedure or treatment is best for me? In addition, your physician may order one or more of the following imaging tests: Bone x-ray radiography : A radiograph x-ray uses a low dose of radiation to create images of internal structures.

X-rays show the bones and the way they interact with each other at the joints. They are useful to evaluate the amount of cartilage at the ends of the bones, deformities and underlying conditions in the bones that may lead to arthritis, and changes in the bones that may be damage from arthritis. Body computed tomography CT : CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images of the inside of the body.

For people with arthritis, CT is typically used for examining joints that are deep in the body and difficult to assess with conventional x-ray, especially in the spine or pelvis. Musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging MRI : MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the body.

The advantage of MRI is that it shows both the bones and the surrounding tissues — including cartilage, ligaments and the inner lining of the joints.

MRI is frequently used to discover abnormalities in the soft tissue components of joints which are invisible on x-ray to determine whether treatment is effective and to look for disease complications. Musculoskeletal ultrasound : Ultrasound uses a small transducer probe and gel to create images of the body from high-frequency sound waves. It can provide detailed pictures of the joints and surrounding soft tissues, primarily those that are located near the surface of the skin.

Common treatments include: Medication: Available prescription and non-prescription medications can reduce joint inflammation and pain. Therapy: Physical therapy and exercise can improve the range of motion and flexibility while improving muscle and bone strength. Other options include massage therapy, water therapy or orthotics. Surgery: Joint replacement arthroplasty or joint fusion surgery may be the best treatment option for some patients. Send us your feedback Did you find the information you were looking for?

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