Symptoms and tests for arthritis
General symptoms
The main symptom of arthritis is
pain and stiffness in the joints. This can and often does
include swelling in one or more joints, stiffness lasting at least an hour and usually in the
morning, recurring pain, tenderness/redness/warmth in a joint, or a joint that is difficult to
move. Getting diagnosed with arthritis or another rheumatic condition is important, and the earlier
the better. Often, arthritis treatments not only reduce symptoms, but in many cases help minimize
further joint damage.
Diagnosis of rheumatic conditions
Because there are different types of conditions besides arthritis, there are various
tests your physician may recommend. Your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist (specialist in
rheumatic conditions). Generally, a doctor may review the medical history, conduct a physical exam
and interview, and order up specific laboratory or imaging tests. A patient will often need more
than one visit and test for a doctor to diagnose a specific condition.
Common tests and procedures
Imaging procedures: To get a specific look at a
joint. X-rays, for example, will show the bone but not cartilage or ligaments. Computed
tomography ("CT" or "CAT scan") and magnetic resonance imaging ("
MRI") show the whole joint. An
arthroscope—a small tube inserted through an incision near
the joint—may be used, which transmits the image of the joint onto a screen.
Antinuclear antibody (ANA): A test that checks blood levels for antibodies sometimes present with autoimmune disorders (like lupus) or connective tissue diseases. There are also more specific ANA tests for certain autoimmune disorders.
Complete blood count (CBC) or white blood cell count (WBC): Depending on which test, used to determine the number of white blood cells (and red blood cells, as well as platelets). When a doctor may prescribe a medication that affects one's CBC, they may want to test a patient's blood. Low white blood cells can increase the risk of infections.
C-reactive protein test: Used to detect inflamation. These proteins are often found at higher levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, for example. They also may decline when drugs like corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapies (NSAIDs) are prescribed.
Creatinine: Helps monitor for underlying kidney disease.
"Sed rate" (erythrocyte sedimentation rate): A blood test for inflammation. Higher sed rates can indicate inflammation typical of many forms of arthritis and connective tissue disease.
PCV or "packed cell volume" (hematocrit): Measures red blood cells for a decrease (anemia), a sign sometimes common with inflammatory arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Rheumatoid factor: Test for presence of an antibody that occurs often in people with rheumatoid arthritis
Urinalysis: Urine is examined for blood cells, protein, bacteria, and abnormalities. Note that some medications for arthritis can affect abnormal findings in a urinalysis test.