How to Test for Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that involves the inflammation of joints in the body, leading to pain and discomfort. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, joint stiffness and swelling. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your physician. In order to rule out any other potential causes of the joint pain, your doctor will likely order a series of tests.

Instructions

1

Get an oral and physical exam when you go for your initial visit. The doctor will need to know where you feel the pain, how often the pain occurs and whether you have suffered any type of injury recently. The doctor will also feel your joints to check for tenderness as well as any warmth or redness.

2

Do any blood work recommended by your doctor. The blood work will be used to look for any antibodies that could indicate that you are suffering from arthritis. Two antibodies that can be found in arthritis patients are rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide.

3

Set up an appointment for imaging studies. X-rays are used to not only test for arthritis, but also see the extent of the damage to the joints caused by the disorder.

4

Inquire about joint fluid analysis. During this test, a small amount of fluid is drawn out of your body using a special needle. The fluid removed will be sent to the lab for testing as a way to rule out other diseases that could be affecting joint health.