

Diagnosing Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases

Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases. To make an accurate diagnosis, a doctor may need to conduct the following:

  • Review the medical history
  • Perform a physical examination
  • Obtain laboratory tests, X-rays, and other imaging tests

What is involved in reviewing your medical history?

When reviewing your medical history, your doctor may ask the following questions:

  • Where is the pain?
  • How long have you had the pain?
  • When does the pain occur and how long does it last?
  • When did you first notice the pain?
  • What were you doing when you first noticed the pain?
  • How intense is the pain?
  • What tends to relieve the pain?
  • What medication(s) are you currently taking?

What is involved in laboratory testing?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, the following is a list of common laboratory tests for the diagnosis of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health:

  • Antinuclear antibody. Measures blood levels of antibodies, which are often present in persons with rheumatic disease.
  • Arthrocentesis (also called joint aspiration). Obtaining a sample of synovial fluid in the joint for examination by inserting a thin, hollow needle into the joint and removing the fluid with a syringe.
  • Complement. Measures the level of complement, a group of proteins in the blood; low levels of complement in the blood are associated with lupus.
  • Complete blood count. Measures the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets present in a sample of blood; a low white blood count (leukopenia), low red blood count (anemia), or low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) are associated with certain rheumatic diseases or the medications to treat them.
  • Urinalysis. Laboratory examination of urine for various cells and chemicals, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, infection, or excessive protein; to indicate kidney disease associated with several rheumatic diseases.
  • White blood cell count. Measures the number of white blood cells in the blood; increased levels of white blood cells may indicate an infection, while decreased levels may indicate certain rheumatic diseases or reaction to medication.
  • Uric acid. An indication of gout.

What imaging techniques may be used to diagnose arthritis and other rheumatic diseases?

Imaging techniques may give your doctor a clearer picture of what is happening to your joint(s). Imaging techniques may include the following:

  • Joint ultrasound. A diagnostic procedure used occasionally to find inflammation before X-rays show damage.
  • Bone densitometry (DEXA). An imaging study to measure bone density, used primarily to detect osteoporosis.

How is pain measured?

Measurement of pain may help your physician find a diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment. You may be asked to describe your pain on a scale of zero to 10 and/or using certain descriptive words.

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Online Resources of Arthritis & Other Rheumatic Diseases

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