Getting Diagnosed

Osteoarthritis can respond better to treatment in the early stages. That’s why early diagnosis is so important. Talk to your doctor about your knee pain. He or she may refer you to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon, who will use some or all of the following tools to diagnose your condition.

Medical History

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, your pain level, any past medical conditions, family history and your work and leisure activities. The more your doctor knows about you, the easier diagnosis will be.

Physical Exam

Your doctor will examine your leg and knee and look for swelling, redness or any unusual characteristics. He or she will also check on your knees’ stability and range of motion.

Lab Tests

Blood tests can be useful in diagnosing certain conditions, but many times, the tests are used to eliminate other possible diagnoses.

Joint Aspiration

Some doctors may use this procedure, which involves draining fluid from the joint to relieve or look for joint problems.

Imaging

Imaging techniques help your doctor get a better look at the inside of your knee joint. The most common ones are X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).