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There’s no blood test for osteoarthritis. Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on:
Your symptoms
He or she will want to know about your symptoms. Are you in pain? If so, what does it feel like? Are your joints stiff? If so, which ones? Describe your symptoms fully to your doctor. This will help him or her make the right diagnosis.
Where and when you have pain
Your doctor will need to know where and when you have pain. Do your knees hurt? Your fingers? Your neck? Do you hurt in the morning, at night, or all the time? Be sure to tell your doctor about any changes in symptoms.
A physical exam
Your doctor will check for joints that are sore to the touch, swollen, or inflamed. He or she may look for signs of muscle weakness, poor reflexes, and range-of-motion limits. Problems walking, bending, and doing other daily tasks will also be important for you to mention.
Your doctor may also order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other forms of arthritis. If you have too much fluid in your joints, your doctor may take a sample. This will help him or her look for signs of other diseases. Blood tests can also help rule out other forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, which sometimes can look like osteoarthritis.
Also of Interest
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Managing osteoarthritis is different for everyone. Give yourself time to find what helps you. |
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