Arthritis: How is it diagnosed?

No single test can diagnose arthritis. Instead, a variety of examinations and diagnostics tests may be used to establish a diagnosis, including:

• Physical examination to check for tenderness, redness, warmth, stiffness or fluid in a joint
• Personal and family medical history
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• X-rays and other imaging tests
• Removal of fluid from a swollen joint for examination (joint aspiration)

If you have pain, stiffness, swelling, or difficulty moving a joint or doing daily activities, see your doctor. These may be signs and symptoms of arthritis.