The confirmation of arthritis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
Medical history: Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and if there are any other underlying conditions that may be contributing to your joint pain.
Physical examination: During a physical examination, your doctor will assess your joints for tenderness, swelling, warmth, and range of motion. They may also look for signs of inflammation such as redness and joint deformities.
Diagnostic tests: Your doctor may order diagnostic tests to confirm a diagnosis of arthritis. These may include blood tests, imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI, joint fluid analysis or a bone density test.
Ultimately, the combination of your medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests can help your doctor confirm the diagnosis of arthritis and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
