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No single test can diagnose osteoarthritis.
Most doctors use a combination of the following methods to
diagnose the disease and rule out other conditions:
Clinical history: The doctor begins
by asking the patient to describe the symptoms, and when and
how the condition started. Good doctor-patient communication
is important. The doctor can give a better assessment if the
patient gives a good description of pain, stiffness, and joint
function, and how they have changed over time. It also is
important for the doctor to know how the condition affects
the patient's work and daily life. Finally, the doctor also
needs to know about other medical conditions and whether the
patient is taking any medicines.
Physical examination: The doctor
will check the patient's general health, including checking
reflexes and muscle strength. Joints bothering the patient
will be examined. The doctor will also observe the patient's
ability to walk, bend, and carry out activities of daily living.
X rays: Doctors take x rays to see
how much joint damage has been done. X rays of the affected
joint can show such things as cartilage loss, bone damage,
and bone spurs. But there often is a big difference between
the severity of osteoarthritis as shown by the x ray and the
degree of pain and disability felt by the patient. Also, x
rays may not show early osteoarthritis damage, before much
cartilage loss has taken place.
Other tests: The doctor may order
blood tests to rule out other causes of symptoms. Another
common test is called joint aspiration, which involves drawing
fluid from the joint for examination.
It usually is not difficult to tell if a patient
has osteoarthritis. It is more difficult to tell if the disease
is causing the patient's symptoms. Osteoarthritis is so common--especially
in older people--that symptoms seemingly caused by the disease
actually may be due to other medical conditions. The doctor
will try to find out what is causing the symptoms by ruling
out other disorders and identifying conditions that may make
the symptoms worse. The severity of symptoms in osteoarthritis
is influenced greatly by the patient's attitude, anxiety,
depression, and daily activity level.
How
Is Osteoarthritis Treated?
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