The only way to definitively determine which type of arthritis you have is to see a doctor. Your doctor can conduct a physical examination, take a medical history, and order tests to help them make the diagnosis.
During the physical examination, your doctor will look for swelling and stiffness around the joints and other signs of inflammation. Imaging tests, such as x-rays and MRI scans, can show more information about joint damage and deformities.
Lab tests, such as a rheumatoid factor test and an antinuclear antibody test, can also help determine whether you have rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor may also order joint fluid tests, where a sample of fluid from the affected joint is examined for inflammation and other signs of arthritis.
Once your doctor has all the necessary information, they can accurately determine which form of arthritis you are suffering from.
Table of Contents
How do I know what type of arthritis I have?
To know what type of arthritis you have, you should visit your doctor for diagnosis. Your doctor will review your symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and potentially order tests such as x-rays or MRI scans to evaluate your condition.
These tests can help diagnose the specific type of arthritis you have. Additionally, your doctor may take fluid samples from your joints to analyze in a lab. Some forms of arthritis can be diagnosed through blood tests as well.
After reviewing your symptoms and test results, your doctor will be able to identify the specific type of arthritis you have and recommend the best treatment plan.
How do I know if I have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis?
You should visit your doctor if you think you may have either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor can help you make an accurate diagnosis. To diagnose these conditions a physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging tests may be used.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms, ask questions about family history, and examine areas of your body that are affected by the pain. Laboratory tests that look for the presence of specific antibodies may be used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
X-rays and other imaging tests can be used to look for inflammation and damage to the joints. Depending on your individual needs, your doctor may also refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor can develop a treatment plan that can help relieve your symptoms and manage your condition.
What is the most painful kind of arthritis?
The most painful kind of arthritis is called rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune disease causes the body to mistakenly attack its own joints, leading to swollen and painful joints, fatigue, and stiffness.
Certain forms of rheumatoid arthritis can also affect internal organs, such as the eyes, lungs, and heart. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause extreme pain in the affected joints, as well as decreased mobility due to pain and swelling.
In long-term cases, it can cause permanent joint damage and deformity. Treatment options include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and even surgery in severe cases.
What other conditions may be mistaken for arthritis?
Arthritis is a collective term used to refer to a group of related conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system and primarily cause joint pain and inflammation. However, there are a range of other conditions that can sometimes be mistaken for arthritis, including:
– Osteoarthritis: This common type of arthritis is caused by wear and tear of the joints. Symptoms include pain and stiffness, as well as possible swelling and instability.
– Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune condition causes inflammation of the lining of the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
– Gout: Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the body and results in sudden, severe joint pain.
– Fibromyalgia: This condition causes chronic pain and widespread muscular tenderness.
– Osteomyelitis: This bacterial infection of the bones and bone marrow may present with symptoms similar to arthritis, including pain, fever and swelling.
– Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect the organs and joints, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness.
– Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the small, lubricating sacs called bursae that help to cushion the joints. This can cause swelling, tenderness, and pain.
– Tendinitis: This condition causes inflammation of the tendons, leading to pain when trying to move the affected joint.
– Infective Arthritis: This is a type of joint infection caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, which can cause similar symptoms to other forms of arthritis.
What does osteoarthritis pain feel like?
Osteoarthritis pain can be quite debilitating and disabling. It can range from a mild discomfort to a sharp, burning pain that can be unbearable. The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is joint pain, which can range from mild aching, to a deep, burning sensation and sharp pain that can feel like it travels down a leg or up an arm.
Osteoarthritis pain is usually a result of decreased joint space as a result of eroded cartilage, bone spurs and other forms of damage in the joint. As the joint erodes, bone becomes exposed and friction increases, which causes pain.
Other symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness, swelling, redness, decreased range of motion and difficulty performing regular activities. While the pain is usually focused at the affected joint, it can be a recurring symptom and may spread to other parts of the body.
Can an xray show the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, an x-ray can show the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis typically causes bone spurs, bone degeneration and joint space narrowing. This can be seen on an x-ray as areas of decreased joint space, leading to what is now referred to as “joint space loss.
” On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis does not typically cause bone spurs, but may cause joint space widening, joint destruction, and deformities such as extra joints. This can be seen on an x-ray as various changes to the shape and size of the joint.
Additionally, because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, an x-ray may also show signs of inflammation in the joint as well.
Does osteoarthritis show up in blood work?
No, osteoarthritis typically does not show up on routine blood work. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by degenerative wear-and-tear on the joints, leading to cartilage breakdown, bone erosion, and other joint damage.
Since osteoarthritis is caused by physical changes in the joints, there is no detectable marker of the condition in the bloodstream.
Rather, physicians use physical examination, imaging scans such as X-rays and MRIs, and laboratory tests to diagnose osteoarthritis. X-rays demonstrate joint damage, and an MRI can show the degree of damage and the extent of joint erosion.
Additionally, laboratory tests can reveal levels of inflammation in the body, since a higher level of inflammation often has a direct connection to the severity of arthritis.
Though a blood test may not diagnose osteoarthritis, it can be used to evaluate kidney and liver functioning, determine the effectiveness of treatments, and determine if there may be a secondary infection.
It is important to speak with a doctor if you believe you may have osteoarthritis, as the earlier it is diagnosed, the earlier you may benefit from treatment options.
What are the 7 diagnostic criteria for RA?
The seven diagnostic criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are outlined in the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria:
1. Morning stiffness that lasts at least one hour or more, persisting at least six weeks.
2. Swelling in three or more joints lasting six weeks or more.
3. Swelling in the same joint on both sides of the body lasting six weeks or more.
4. Symmetrical arthritis, meaning joints on both sides of the body are similarly affected.
5. Soft tissue swelling in hands or feet.
6. Serum test results indicative of inflammation.
7. X-ray evidence of joint damage characteristic of RA.
These seven criteria must be satisfied to be diagnosed with RA. It is also important to note that some patients may not meet all seven criteria yet still be diagnosed with RA.
What are the 7 types of arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect the joints and surrounding structures. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and these can be classified into seven distinct categories:
1. Osteoarthritis: Also known as “wear and tear” arthritis, it is the most common type of arthritis. It affects the cartilage—the flexible tissue that cushions the ends of bones in the joints—causing it to break down, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune disorder is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the joints. It usually starts gradually, with symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, along with other characteristic symptoms including fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
3. Psoriatic arthritis: This type of arthritis is linked to the skin condition psoriasis. It most commonly affects the knees, ankles, and feet, and can be very difficult to differentiate from rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Gout: This is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints. It typically presents with sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the affected joint.
5. Systemic lupus erythematosus: Also known as lupus, this is a chronic, inflammatory condition in which the body’s own immune system starts to attack its own tissues. It can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, lungs, kidneys, skin, and brain.
6. Fibromyalgia: Characterized by widespread muscle pain, tenderness, and fatigue, this type of arthritis does not really involve the joints. It is more often associated with psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
7. Ankylosing spondylitis: This form of arthritis affects the spinal joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and eventual fusion of the vertebrae. It is often associated with other immune-related inflammatory conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
What type of arthritis comes on suddenly?
Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that comes on suddenly and is associated with a previous infection in the body. It is an inflammatory reaction to a previous infection in the eyes, urogenital tract or intestines, with symptoms including joint swelling and pain, stiffness, fever, and fatigue.
In the longer-term, reactive arthritis can cause damage to joints. The condition affects about 1 in 4,000 people in the US, and is more common in men than in women. Treatment for reactive arthritis includes anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy to mitigate symptoms and prevent further joint damage.
What medicine helps arthritis pain?
There are a variety of medicines that can help relieve pain associated with arthritis. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are some of the most commonly used medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
Additionally, prescription medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can be effective at helping to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Some medications, when taken in combination, may offer additional relief. Non-medicinal approaches, such as massage, physical and occupational therapy, heat and cold therapy, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes may also be beneficial.
As always, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new form of treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.
Where does arthritis usually start?
Arthritis usually starts in the joints. It is a condition that affects the joints, causing inflammation, stiffness, pain, and decreased range of motion. Depending on the type, arthritis can affect any joint in the body, such as the hips, knees, wrists, and fingers, or even the entire body.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and it typically affects the hands, hips, and knees—the weight bearing joints. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis may cause joint inflammation throughout the body.
These types often start in the smaller joints, such as the wrists and fingers.
