Arthritis is a disorder that causes joints to stiffen and swell. People who suffer from this disease experience pain, limited function of their joints, inflammation, redness, and warmth at the site of the ailing joints. If you are experiencing these symptoms, undergoing an arthritis test to get an accurate arthritis diagnosis is advisable.
To develop an arthritis diagnosis, your physician will look into the symptoms you've been experiencing, and examine your joints for any deformity or inflammation. Your doctor may also order x-rays, perform a full physical exam to check for signs of inflammation or diseases, and administer an arthritis test by drawing your blood and sending it for analysis in order to determine which type of arthritis you have, including rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, gout, and others.
Generally an arthritis diagnosis is based on the pattern of symptoms a patient experiences, how the inflamed joints are distributed, and what their blood test and X-rays reveal. It may take several visits and tests before your doctor can give you an accurate assessment.
Although arthritis isn't a life threatening disease, it is responsible for limiting daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and walking of more than 7 million Americans, and it is the leading cause of disability for Americans above the age of 15. Left untreated it can be incapacitating. That's why it's important that you visit your physician for an arthritis test as soon as you start feeling any symptoms. The earlier you get an accurate arthritis diagnosis, the more likely you are to prevent irreversible damage and disability and begin treatments that range from physical therapy and changes in diet to surgery and more.
It is highly recommended that you keep communicating with your doctor after your arthritis diagnosis so your physician can monitor the effectiveness of your treatments and any changes in your symptoms.
Arthritis is a disorder that causes joints to stiffen and swell. People who suffer from this disease experience pain, limited function of their joints, inflammation, redness, and warmth at the site of the ailing joints. If you are experiencing these symptoms, undergoing an arthritis test to get an accurate arthritis diagnosis is advisable.
