Osteoarthritis Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider may use a combination of your health history, a physical examination, imaging tests, and lab tests to officially diagnose¹⁷ osteoarthritis. You will likely discuss your physical activity, symptoms, and medication use during the health history portion of your consultation. During the physical exam, your provider will look at your affected joints and may attempt to move your limbs to determine your range of motion.

Your provider may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). X-rays can be used to show joint or bone damage related to OA, while an MRI can help your healthcare provider visualize the affected cartilage or other parts of the joint.

Your healthcare provider may opt to perform a procedure called joint aspiration, during which fluid is extracted from the joint using a needle. This fluid can be examined under a microscope to check for signs of an infection or the presence of crystals, both of which can indicate OA.

Blood tests cannot positively diagnose osteoarthritis. However, they can be used to help rule out other causes of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Do I have osteoarthritis?

It can be difficult to differentiate between osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis or pain caused by an injury. Both the severity and occurrence of symptoms can vary for people with OA. If your symptoms are persistent or affect your daily life, you should talk to your healthcare provider about receiving the proper diagnosis.