Question

Please describe how the Arthritis is diagnosed (tests, scans, procedures, etc.) treatments or procedures and medical specialits may be involved?

Answer 1

Diagnosis:

• The doctor considers the symptoms and based on that performs a physical examination to check for swollen joints or loss of motion in the joints.
• The diagnosis can be confirmed by X-rays, which can reveal a loss of cartilage, bone spurs or bone rubbing against bone. CT scan and MRI provides better views of the internal structures and helps in making a diagnosis.
• Doctor can also advise a blood test. In blood test, doctor basically looks for presence of Rheumatoid Factors which are indicative of rheumatoid arthritis.
• A joint aspiration can be performed to rule out other types of arthritis. In joint aspiration, a needle is used to draw a small sample of fluid from the joint for testing.
• If the doctor suspects infectious arthritis as a complication of some other disease, testing a sample of fluid from the affected joint will usually confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

• Treatment of arthritis generally includes rest, occupational or physical therapy, exercise, drugs, and sometimes surgery to correct joint damage.
• The main classes of drugs used for arthritis are
  • Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
  • Biologic response modifiers (a type of DMARD)
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
  • Analgesics (painkillers)
• Physical therapy can be helpful for some types of arthritis.
• Exercises can improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding joints.
• In some cases, splints or braces may be warranted.
• If conservative means are not sufficient, doctors advise surgery. Surgery can be a joint repair or joint replacement or a joint fusion surgery.