Testing The Diagnosis of Arthritis

Unknowingly to many individuals, the pain coming from their swollen joints are already mild symptoms of arthritis. Normally, old folks are bothered by...


Unknowingly to many individuals, the pain coming from their swollen joints are already mild symptoms of arthritis. Normally, old folks are bothered by symptoms like swollen or stiff joints that makes it hard for them to move especially around morning time. Every day, the elderly struggle with performing tasks that seem routine like walking yet so difficult because of the pain coming from arthritis. Normally, individuals who are in pain take pain killers or analgesics hoping to make the pain disappear. The truth is, arthritis simply does not go away and would continue to affect millions of elderly people globally. It is them important to have the correct diagnosis for arthritis in order to get the proper treatment. Intake of certain medicines without doctor�s advice can even worsen the situation since some drugs can weaken the immune system. A weakened immune system aggravates arthritis so correct diagnosis for arthritis is very crucial step towards coping with arthritis.

The first step in getting the right diagnosis for arthritis is to consult a doctor that specializes in orthopedics. In majority of cases, doctors require laboratory tests and a medical history of patients which can help him arrive at the right diagnosis. There are many types of arthritis, as much as a hundred types so it�s necessary to determine which form of arthritis afflicts you.

Normally, a doctor begins with a physical examination to detect the symptoms of arthritis such as joint stiffness, nodules under the hand, extent of range of motion, fever and redness around joints. Repeated manifestation of symptoms most likely indicate that arthritis is already present. A secondary step in that would lead to the right diagnosis are laboratory exams such as blood tests, rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate ,C-reactive protein,CBC ,x-rays etc.. The doctor can ask a patient to undergo certain tests but not really all the tests aforementioned. A thorough examination of the patient as well as laboratory results can specifically determine the type of arthritis.

Arthritis is a leading cause of disability especially when symptoms are not detected immediately. Consult a doctor who specializes in arthritis to get a correct diagnosis.

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