Arthritis – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Spotting arthritis isn’t always straightforward. Many types share the same basic symptoms—joint pain, stiffness, swelling—so it can get confusing fast.
Doctors dig into a person’s medical history, symptoms, and family background, especially if autoimmune diseases or joint issues run in the family.
They use all that info to figure out if someone has osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, gout, or something else entirely.
Tests on Body Fluids
Doctors often check blood, urine, and joint fluid to pinpoint the type of arthritis.
| Test Name | Finds |
|---|---|
| Rheumatoid Factor | RA and other autoimmune signs |
| Anti-CCP Antibodies | RA risk and likelihood |
| C-Reactive Protein | Measures inflammation |
| Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate | Shows bodywide inflammation |
| Joint Fluid Analysis | Checks for infection, crystals |
Blood tests hunt for markers like rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which can point to inflammation, infection, or autoimmune problems.
When they test joint fluid, they’re looking for signs of infection, gout crystals, or other causes of swelling.
Pictures of the Joints
Imaging scans give a clearer view of what’s happening inside the joints. X-rays reveal cartilage loss, joint injuries, or bone spurs, but they might miss early changes. CT scans show detailed cross-sections of bones and soft tissue.
MRIs zoom in on soft tissues—ligaments, tendons, cartilage—and can spot swelling or damage. Ultrasound helps doctors check for swelling, fluid, or joint damage, and it’s handy for guiding injections or fluid removal.
Doctors use these images to figure out what’s causing joint pain or damage and check for other risks like osteoporosis or heart disease.
Treatment
Medicine Choices for Arthritis
There isn’t just one medicine for arthritis. People often turn to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen.
| Type | Possible Side Effects |
|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Stomach pain, bleeding, heart risk |
| Corticosteroid | Bone loss, weight gain, diabetes |
| Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD) | Liver problems, infections |
| Biologic DMARD | Infection risk, headache |
These can ease pain and swelling, but they sometimes upset the stomach or raise heart risks if used for a long time. NSAIDs come as pills, creams, or gels you rub on sore spots.
For mild pain, some individuals try acetaminophen, though it doesn’t do much for swelling. When pain is really bad, doctors might prescribe corticosteroids, either as pills or shots.
These can work fast but may cause bone thinning, weight changes, or higher blood sugar.
If arthritis is more severe, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can slow it down. The downside? They can weaken the immune system, making infections more likely.
There are also biologics that can help prevent joint damage, but come with their own risks.
Movement and Activity-Based Treatments
Physical therapy helps joints move better and keeps them flexible. Exercise plans can build muscle around the joint and make moving easier.
Occupational therapy teaches people how to do daily tasks in ways that protect their joints.
Doctors sometimes suggest splints or braces for extra support. These can hold joints steady and cut down pain, especially if joints feel weak or swollen.
Operations for Joint Problems
When medicine and therapy just aren’t cutting it, surgery might be the next step.
- Joint Resurfacing or Repair: Doctors smooth or realign joint surfaces, usually through small cuts.
- Replacing a Joint: Sometimes, surgeons remove and replace damaged joints—usually hips or knees—with metal or plastic parts.
- Joint Fusion: For smaller joints, like fingers or ankles, doctors can remove bone ends and fuse them. This stops movement in the joint but can ease pain.
Choosing the right surgery depends on the person, their health, and which joint needs help.
Daily Choices and At-Home Tips
Living with arthritis often means changing up daily habits. Losing extra weight takes pressure off joints, which can make moving easier and pain less intense.
Staying active with swimming or walking helps joints stay flexible and might reduce pain over time. Heat and cold—like heating pads or ice packs—can bring relief when pain flares up.
Simple tools, such as canes or special shoe inserts, make everyday tasks easier and protect joints. Small changes can really add up and help with chronic pain.
Alternative Medicine
Some people with arthritis try alternative therapies to feel better. Popular options include acupuncture, massage, supplements, and gentle exercise.
| Alternative therapy | Possible benefit |
|---|---|
| Glucosamine | May ease knee osteoarthritis pain |
| Chondroitin | Might give slight osteoarthritis relief |
| Fish oil | Could reduce some arthritis-related symptoms |
| Acupuncture | May help with general pain |
| Yoga/Tai Chi | Improves flexibility and range of motion |
| Massage | Warms joints and soothes discomfort |
- Acupuncture: Practitioners insert thin needles at certain points to try to ease pain.
- Glucosamine: This supplement sometimes helps people with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis, though results are mixed.
- Chondroitin: Often paired with glucosamine, chondroitin might offer mild pain relief, but it doesn’t work for everyone.
- Fish oil: Omega-3s in fish oil could help with joint discomfort. Always check with a healthcare provider before starting, since fish oil can interact with some meds.
- Yoga and Tai Chi: These gentle movements and stretches can boost joint flexibility and motion.
- Massage: Light massage around sore joints may increase blood flow and make things feel better—at least for a little while.
Always talk to a healthcare provider before trying new therapies. Not every remedy works for everyone, and some can mess with other treatments.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Before you see your doctor or rheumatologist, it helps to come prepared. Jot down your symptoms, even the little things you’ve noticed.
Make a list of past health issues and note if any family members have similar problems. Gather the names of all medicines and supplements you’re using.
It’s also smart to write down any questions you want to ask at your appointment.
| What to Bring | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| List of medications | Helps avoid drug interactions |
| Family health history | Can show patterns in conditions |
| Symptoms log | Gives a clear picture to doctor |
What the Doctor May Ask You
Your health care provider or rheumatologist will probably ask you a bunch of questions. They’ll want to know when your symptoms started.
They might also ask if anything makes your pain better or worse. The doctor could ask which joints hurt, and whether anyone in your family has had joint pain.
If you think about these things before your appointment, it’ll help your doctor take better care of you.
