GENERAL ARTHRITIS DIAGNOSIS AND SYMPTOMS

General Arthritis Diagnosis and Symptoms

Diagnosis of general arthritis is very important to test the person whether they are suffering from the particular disease or not. Diagnosis is done on the various factors such as person’s medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests and X-rays.

Diagnosing general arthritis is very tricky like other diagnosis for other diseases because some symptoms look same. If the person suspects general arthritis then the person should immediately contact the doctor. The doctor can ask the following from the person having arthritis:-

When did they first notice the pain?

What medicine are they taking?

How long does the pain last?

Is the pain in one or more joints?

The doctor will perform various tests including physical examination and Laboratory tests. If the examination consists of symptoms like warmth, ease of movement, redness, deformity and tenderness in the joints then the person is suffering from arthritis. The diagnosis for arthritis includes:-

Blood tests and other laboratory tests which include -

Complete blood count (CBC test) - This test determines the white blood cell, red blood cell and platelet levels.

Antinuclear antibody (ANA test) – This test checks the levels of antibodies in the blood.

Arthrocentesis or joint aspiration – This test is done to determine the presence of bacteria, viruses and crystals.

Uranalysis test – This determines the levels of WBC, RBC and protein.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – This test is done to detect inflammation.

Hematocrit – This measures the number of red blood cells.

Creatinine – This test is done to monitor the underlying kidney disease.

Rheumatoid factor test – This test determines the presence of rheumatoid factor in the blood.

White blood cell count (WBC test) – This determines the level of white blood cells in the blood.

X-rays or other procedures are done to show the extent of damage to the joint. CT scan, MRI and arthrography are done to examine the extent of damage done to an affected joint.

GENERAL ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

There are various symptoms of this disease and they are:-

Pain or tenderness in a joint

Persistent joint pain

Loss of flexibility or range of motion in a joint

Joint deformity

Inflammation indicated by swelling, redness or joint stiffness.

Early morning stiffness

There can be other symptoms also which are the cause of general arthritis and they are:-

Flu like symptoms

Non specific fever

Nodules in the skin

Fatigue

Weight loss

So, arthritis is not a disease which anyone can take it lightly. If anyone experiences any of the symptoms then one should immediately contact the doctor.