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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

In addition to the physical exam, your doctor may also recommend the following tests.

Imaging tests

  • X-rays. X-ray images of your affected joint may reveal a narrowing space within a joint, which indicates that the cartilage is breaking down. An X-ray may also show bone spurs around a joint. However, many people have X-ray evidence of osteoarthritis before they experience any symptoms.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of bone and soft tissues, including bone cartilage. This can be helpful in determining what exactly is causing your pain

Lab tests

  • Blood tests. Blood tests may help rule out other causes of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Joint fluid analysis. Your doctor may use a needle to draw fluid out of the affected joint. Examining and testing the fluid from your joint can determine if there's inflammation and if your pain is caused by gout or an infection.
Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment

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  • Arthritis
References
  1. Handout on health: Osteoarthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/default.asp. Accessed July 22, 2009.
  2. Mercier LR. Osteoarthritis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/152079048-3/0/1701/412.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50018-5--subchapter11_8824. Accessed July 22, 2009.
  3. Osteoarthritis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00227. Accessed July 22, 2009.
  4. Lane NE, et al. Osteoarthritis. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/152079048-3/0/1492/1009.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50288-3_12790. Accessed July 22, 2009.
  5. Kalunian KC. Risk factors for and possible causes of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 31, 2009.
  6. Kalunian KC. Diagnosis and classification of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 31, 2009.
  7. Ehrlich GE. Osteoarthritis. In: Rakel RE, et al. Conn's Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/152079048-4/869009174/1621/497.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4435-2..50250-8_3948. Accessed July 22, 2009.
  8. Solomon DH. NSAIDs: Overview of adverse effects. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 10, 2009.
  9. Arthritis Foundation life improvement series programs. Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/programs.php. Accessed July 31, 2009.
  10. Hunder GG. Mayo Clinic Straight Talk on Arthritis. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2006:230.
  11. Nutrition and dietary supplements. In: Firestein GS. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/153389597-3/872979471/1807/236.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10034-8--s0250_930. Accessed Aug. 10, 2009.
  12. Ginger. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed July 31, 2009.
  13. Chondroitin sulfate. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed July 31, 2009.
  14. Avocado. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed July 31, 2009.

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Oct. 13, 2009

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