Arthritis (Cont.)

Arthritis Diagnosis

In order to diagnose arthritis, the healthcare provider will begin by asking a number of questions, then perform a physical exam looking for signs of arthritis. If he or she suspects arthritis, certain tests may be recommended. These tests may include:
 
  • X-rays or other imaging tests
  • Blood tests
  • Other tests, such as synovial fluid testing.
     
Before making a diagnosis of arthritis, the healthcare provider will make sure you do not have other conditions that can share similar symptoms with arthritis. A few of these conditions include:
 
(Click Diagnosing Arthritis for more information, including specific blood tests your healthcare provider may recommend.)
 

Treatment of Arthritis

There is no arthritis cure -- natural or not (see Natural Cures for Arthritis). There also is no single arthritis treatment that applies to everyone or every type of arthritis.
 
Your healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan designed to minimize your specific pain and improve the function of your joints. Some of the treatment options that he or she will consider include:
 
(Click Arthritis Treatment for more information on treatment options for the different types of arthritis.)
 
(Arthritis Continued: Page 5)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD