Q10. How is arthritis diagnosed?

A10. This involves a visit to your GP who will examine the affected areas as well as asking you questions about your symptoms. This will be followed by a discussion about your medical history and family history if applicable.

Your GP will then refer you to a specialist such as a rheumatologist who will conduct a series of tests. These will include blood tests (different types), X-rays and scans, e.g. ultrasound, MRI etc.

The results of these tests will be reviewed and used to help formulate a treatment plan for you. This will also include a look at your current lifestyle, e.g. home and work before assigning your case to a specialist team.

This is covered in more detail in our types of arthritis section.

Arthritis FAQs:

Arthritis FAQs

• Q1. What is arthritis?
• Q2. How common is arthritis?
• Q3. Does arthritis only affect older people?
• Q4. Why do many more women than men get arthritis?
• Q5. How many types of arthritis are there?
• Q6. What is the most common type of arthritis?
• Q7. Which joints are most likely to be affected by arthritis?
• Q8. What causes arthritis?
• Q9. What are the signs of arthritis?
• Q10. How is arthritis diagnosed?

• Q11. How is arthritis treated?
• Q12. What are anti-inflammatories?
• Q13. How do steroids work?
• Q14. What are disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs?
• Q15. What is methotrexate?
• Q16. What are anti-TNF drugs?
• Q17. What is Prednisolone?
• Q18. How do you cope with arthritis?
• Q19. Can you inherit an arthritis gene?
• Q20. Is there a cure for arthritis?