Physical Exam and History for OsteoarthritisExam OverviewA doctor often discovers important information about the possible causes of symptoms through a discussion about your medical history. During this discussion, the doctor may ask questions such as the following:
During the physical exam, the doctor will look at, feel, and move each joint, evaluating it:
The doctor will also look for any signs of unequal leg lengths, muscle weakness, or muscle wasting. During a physical exam, the doctor also will do an evaluation of the lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys. Why It Is DoneA medical history and physical exam are a normal and important part of the evaluation of joint pain and stiffness. ResultsThe key to diagnosing osteoarthritis is determining the pattern of joints that are affected . For example, if you have symptoms in the set of knuckle joints between the wrists and finger joints (metacarpal-phalangeal joints), the balls of the feet (metatarsal-phalangeal joints), wrists, ankles, or elbows, you probably have a different, inflammatory form of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis. NormalA normal joint is not painful, tender, or swollen, has a full range of motion, and appears structurally normal. AbnormalIn an abnormal joint, an exam may detect pain or swelling along with a bony hardness. Other abnormal findings that suggest osteoarthritis include:
What To Think AboutDistinguishing between osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis may be difficult based on individual joint symptoms. But a pattern of symptoms may point to the type of arthritis. Complete the medical test information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this test. Current as of: October 10, 2017 |
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