What Should People Do Once They Begin to Realize That They Could Have Arthritis

What Should People Do Once They Begin to Realize That They Could Have Arthritis?

From a psychotherapist’s point of view, people should seek medical attention.  Seeking medical attention sooner rather than later allows your condition to be diagnosed and treated early.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosis Made?

  • The healthcare provider will ask for your full medical history.  You may also be required to describe the symptoms of the condition.
  • Physical examination; after giving your medical history and the description of the symptoms, the healthcare provider will begin a physical check-up to determine any swollen joints, redness, warmth, tenderness, or reduced motion in your joints.  
  • Imaging Test; imaging tests, including x-rays, determine the exact type of arthritis affecting you.  In most cases, x-rays will be used if you show symptoms of osteoarthritis, which range from loss of cartilage to bone spurs.
  • Joint Fluid Testing; Your doctor will draw fluids from your joint and test them to confirm the osteoarthritis.
  • Blood or Urine Testing; Blood and urine tests are also used to determine the type of arthritis affecting you.  Once the exact type is established, your doctor can suggest the right treatment.

What Are the Telling Signs?

  • Joint deformity
  • Tenderness in your joints
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling in joints
  • Loss of appetite
  • Redness in your joints
  • Fever
  • Unexplained fatigue

How Long Should Someone Wait Before Seeing a doctor?

I recommend waiting for a week before seeing a doctor.

Elena Ognivtseva
Latest posts by Elena Ognivtseva (see all)

Nutritionist, Cornell University, MS

I believe that nutrition science is a wonderful helper both for the preventive improvement of health and adjunctive therapy in treatment. My goal is to help people improve their health and well-being without torturing themselves with unnecessary dietary restrictions. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle – I play sports, cycle, and swim in the lake all year round. With my work, I have been featured in Vice, Country Living, Harrods magazine, Daily Telegraph, Grazia, Women's Health, and other media outlets.

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