Symptoms of Arthritis
While symptoms can vary, there are some common symptoms of arthritis that you should know:
- Persistent or recurring joint pain
- Swollen joints or inflammation of the joints
- Stiff joints
- Joint redness and warmth
- Reduced range of motion
- Fatigue
- Generalized weakness
It is essential to note that arthritis symptoms can vary in intensity and may come and go. If you experience persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Arthritis
The diagnosis of arthritis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.
1. Medical history: Your doctor will begin by taking a detailed medical history, including your symptoms, their duration, and any family history of arthritis.
2. Physical examination: A thorough physical examination will be conducted to assess joint function, swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.
3. Blood tests: Tests are often ordered to help diagnose different types of arthritis. These tests can include:
- Complete blood count (CBC) to check for signs of inflammation or infection.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) to measure the level of inflammation in the body.
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
- Uric acid level to diagnose gout.
- Imaging Tests which include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound.
4. Joint aspiration (Arthrocentesis): In some cases, the doctor may perform joint aspiration, where a small sample of fluid is withdrawn from the affected joint to check for signs of infection, gout, or other conditions.
5. Other specialised tests: Depending on the suspected type of arthritis, additional tests like HLA-B27 testing for ankylosing spondylitis or anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) testing for lupus may be ordered.
