Diagnosing Arthritis

Posted: May 1, 2005

Scientists do not know what causes most forms of arthritis and they understand some forms better than others.

Symptoms of arthritis are:

• Swelling in one or more joints
• Stiffness around the joints that lasts for at least one hour in the early morning
• Constant or recurring pain or tenderness in a joint
• Difficulty using or moving a joint normally
• Warmth and redness in a joint

If any one of these symptoms lasts longer than two weeks, see your regular doctor or a doctor who specializes in arthritis (a rheumatologist). The doctor will ask questions about the history of your symptoms and do a physical exam. The doctor may take X-rays or do lab tests before developing a treatment plan.

It is vital for people with joint pain to give the doctor a complete medical history. Answers to the following questions will help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis:

• Is the pain in one or more joints?
• When does the pain occur?
• How long does the pain last?
• When did you first notice the pain?
• What were you doing when you first noticed the pain?
• Does activity make the pain better or worse?
• Have you had any illnesses or accidents that may account for the pain?
• Is there a family history of any arthritis or other rheumatic disease?
• What medicine(s) are you taking?

Because rheumatic diseases are so diverse and sometimes involve several parts of the body, the doctor may ask many other questions.

It may be helpful for people to keep a daily journal that describes the pain. Patients should write down what the affected joint looks like, how it feels, how long the pain lasts, and what they were doing when the pain started.

Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute on Aging

For more information related to arthritis, visit the Advanced Healthcare orthopaedics Web site .

Also visit the Columbia St. Mary’s Arthritis Center Web site

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