Diagnosing Infectious Arthritis

Healthcare providers diagnosing infectious arthritis will typically start by focusing on the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. During the physical exam, the healthcare provider will examine the patient's joints, skin, reflexes, and muscle strength. Some of the tests that healthcare providers may use when diagnosing infectious arthritis include imaging tests and a study of synovial fluid from the affected joint.

 

An Overview of Diagnosing Infectious Arthritis

There is no one specific test that can be used for diagnosing infectious arthritis. Therefore, in order to make a diagnosis of infectious arthritis, the healthcare provider will usually begin by asking a number of questions. This is known as getting a person's medical history. Some of the questions the healthcare provider will ask may be related to:
 
  • Current or recent symptoms, including fever, cold sweats, extreme tiredness, a cough, or irritability (in infants)
  • Other medical conditions
  • Any recent surgeries
  • Any recent immunizations
  • Current medications
  • Recent travel
  • Sexual history
  • A family history of any medical conditions, including arthritis.
     
After asking a number of questions, the healthcare provider will likely perform a physical exam looking for signs of infectious arthritis. As the healthcare provider conducts the physical exam, he or she will assess the patient's joints, skin, reflexes, and muscle strength.
 
After the medical history and physical exam, the healthcare provider may recommend certain tests to help diagnose infectious arthritis.
 
(Diagnosing Infectious Arthritis Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD