Diagnosing Different Types Of Arthritis

Diagnosing arthritis can be challenging because most of the conditions affecting joints have almost similar symptoms. The process requires a combined effort from pain specialists, doctors, orthopedists, and rheumatologists. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that arthritis has about 100 different types. The most common ones are Psoriatic Arthritis, Gout, Osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.

Rheumatologists and other physicians normally use different techniques when determining the specific type of arthritis that the patient is suffering from. These professionals usually consider various factors, such as symptoms, lifestyle habits, and general health. They ask multiple questions that help them to gather relevant information on the patient’s medical history.

Physical Examination

Conducting a physical examination is a technique that doctors use to diagnose different types of arthritis. For example, they can take your temperature, scrutinize your eyes and throat, and measure your blood pressure. Listening to the patient’s heartbeat and checking whether they have swollen glands is also part of the exam. If you are consulting with a rheumatologist, he can inspect the affected joint to prove whether they are swollen or have any redness.

During the visit, you should also expect the specialist to examine your spine for any abnormal curve. He might also request you to walk for some distance to see whether the pain has interfered with your ability to stand and walk normally. Spotting the joint motion helps to identify the tender areas. However, this exercise is common among patients who are experiencing back pain. The physical exam results will determine whether the doctor will request additional tests.

Evaluating the Symptoms

Analyzing the symptoms helps rheumatologists to diagnose the type of disease affecting the patient. It is essential to understand that every type of arthritis has different signs and symptoms. For example, some cause the joints to be red and tender, while others lead to swelling. Moreover, some types of arthritis have sudden symptoms while others are gradual.

Nerve Tests

Arthritis is a severe disease because it affects the functioning of the nerves in the joints. If your doctor wants to define the specific type of arthritis you are suffering from, he or she will conduct a nerve test. This information will also help to determine whether the condition has interfered with the nerve’s electrical activity. The approach is also called an electrodiagnostic study.

Imaging Tests

Another technique that orthopedist use to diagnose different types of arthritis is using imaging tests. These tests help these specialists to identify any inflammation or symptom causing distress on the joint and pinpoint the specific disease affecting the patient. They can either use X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound, depending on the patients’ symptoms.

X-rays

This imaging is appropriate for diagnosing different arthritis types. The specialists use low radiation levels to visualize the patient’s bone and joint. An X-ray displays bone damage, spurs, and cartilage loss. Doctors use this information to track how the disease is advancing and the damage it has caused to the bones.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This imaging technique is more accurate than X-rays because it combines multiple radio waves on a magnetic field and offers detailed cross-sectional images. Orthopedists use these images to examine different soft tissues around the joints. Examples include ligaments and cartilage.

Computerized Tomography (CT)

A CT scan can also help to diagnose arthritis and pinpoint the specific type affecting the patient’s joints. Doctors regularly use CT scanners to create a cross-sectional view of the joint or bone by collecting several X-ray images from different positions. They use this information to scrutinize the joints and surrounding tissues.

Ultrasound

Doctors use this technology to collect images of soft tissues and structures that contain fluid and are located near the joints. They use this information to define the specific arthritis type in different patients.

Blood Test

Doing blood tests helps pain specialists to determine whether the patient has inflammatory arthritis. It means that this technique might not be effective in diagnosing all arthritis types.

Tissue and Fluid Tests

If you inform your doctor that you have been experiencing continuous pain in your joints for about two or three days consecutively, they can draw and test fluid from the joint. The results will determine if you have arthritis or not, as well as the specific type. The fluids that these specialists tests include urine and joint fluid.

Alternatively, the specialist can conduct a muscle biopsy to evaluate the specific condition of the tissues and define the arthritis form that you might be suffering from.

Conclusion

Overall, arthritis can be defined as a joint disease because it affects this body part. Health research organizations have discovered approximately one hundred types of arthritis. These conditions display similar and sometimes different symptoms. Consequently, doctors and rheumatologists use various techniques to diagnose this disease.
These specialists examine the patients’ physical conditions or conduct imaging, blood, and fluid tests. Diagnosing arthritis early enough is important because it allows the patient to start treatment and improve joint function.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.