Arthritis

Diagnosis

To diagnose arthritis, a healthcare professional examines your joints for swelling, redness, warmth, and checks how well you can move them.

Laboratory tests
Analyzing body fluids can help identify the type of arthritis. Common samples include blood, urine, and joint fluid. For joint fluid, the area is first cleaned and numbed, and a needle is used to withdraw fluid for testing.

Imaging tests
Imaging helps detect structural problems within the joint that may be causing symptoms:

• X-rays. Low-dose radiation produces images of bones, revealing cartilage loss, bone damage, or bone spurs. X-rays may not show early arthritis but are useful for tracking disease progression.

• Computerized tomography (CT). Combines X-rays from multiple angles to create cross-sectional views of bones and soft tissues around the joints.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

• Ultrasound. High-frequency sound waves image soft tissues, cartilage, and fluid-filled structures near joints. Ultrasound can also guide needle placement for fluid removal or medication injection.

Treatment

Treatment for arthritis focuses on reducing pain, improving joint function, and slowing disease progression. Often, a combination of treatments is used to achieve the best results.

Medications
Treatment depends on the type of arthritis. Common options include:

• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). Relieve pain and inflammation. Examples: ibuprofen and naproxen. Topical creams or gels are also available. Stronger NSAIDs may increase the risk of heart issues or stomach irritation.

• Counterirritants. Creams or ointments containing menthol or capsaicin may reduce pain signals from joints when applied to the skin.

• Steroids. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, reduce inflammation and pain. They can be taken orally or injected into the joint. Side effects include bone thinning, weight gain, and increased risk of diabetes.

• DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs). Slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and prevent permanent joint damage. Includes conventional, biologic, and targeted synthetic DMARDs. They may increase infection risk.

Therapy
Physical therapy strengthens muscles around joints and improves range of motion. Splints or braces may also be recommended in some cases.

Surgery
If conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be considered:

• Joint repair. Smoothing or realigning joint surfaces to reduce pain. Often performed arthroscopically through small incisions.

• Joint replacement. Damaged joints, commonly hips or knees, are replaced with artificial joints.

• Joint fusion. Used for smaller joints like those in the wrist, ankle, or fingers. The bones are fused together into a single rigid unit to relieve pain.