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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

During the physical exam, your doctor will closely examine your affected joint, checking for tenderness, swelling or redness. He or she will also check the joint's range of motion. Your doctor may also recommend imaging and lab tests.

Imaging tests

  • X-rays. Cartilage doesn't show up on X-ray images, but the loss of cartilage is revealed by a narrowing of the space between the bones in your joint. An X-ray may also show bone spurs around a joint. 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

  • See Also

    • Hand Scheduled
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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 Aug. 15, 2011.
  2. Osteoarthritis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00227. Accessed July 22, 2011.
  3. Lane NE, et al. Osteoarthritis. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Aug. 15, 2011.
  4. Kalunian KC. Risk factors and possible causes of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 16, 2011.
  5. Kalunian KC. Diagnosis and classification of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 16, 2011.
  6. Lozada CJ. Management of osteoarthritis. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1807/0.html. Accessed Aug. 16, 2011.
  7. Osteoarthritis. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http//www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Aug. 16, 2011.
  8. Lorig K, et al. Hints, tips, gadgets and resources. In: Lorig K, et. al. The Arthritis Helpbook: A Tested Self-Management Program for Coping With Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. 6th ed. Cambridge, Mass.: Da Capo Press; 2006:55.
  9. Berman BM, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized, controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2004;12:901.
  10. Sawitzke AD, et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2010;8:1459.
  11. Wang C, et al. Tai chi is effective in treating knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, controlled trial. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2009;11:1545.
  12. Haaz S, et al. Yoga for arthritis: A scoping review. Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America. 2011;37:33.
  13. Rohren CH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 24, 2011.
DS00019 Oct. 13, 2011

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