How Is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint. It occurs most often in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Warning signs of osteoarthritis are:
- Steady or on-and-off pain in a joint
- Stiffness in a joint after getting out of bed or sitting for a long time
- Swelling or tenderness in one or more joints
- A crunching feeling or the sound of bone rubbing on bone.
No single test can diagnose osteoarthritis. Most doctors use several methods to diagnose the disease and rule out other problems:
- Medical history
- Physical exam
- X rays
- Other tests such as blood tests or exams of the fluid in the joints.
How Is Osteoarthritis Treated?
Doctors often combine treatments to fit a patient's needs, lifestyle, and health. Osteoarthritis treatment has four main goals:
- Improve joint care through rest and exercise
- Keep a healthy body weight
- Control pain
- Achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Osteoarthritis treatment plans can involve
- Exercise
- Weight control
- Rest and joint care
- Pain relief
- Medicines
- Alternative therapies
Surgery.
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