There are over 100 different types of arthritis and arthritis related conditions. In order to make a diagnosis, there are several symptoms to consider that can be found in tandem with different types of arthritis. You may have arthritis if you are experiencing any of these common symptoms:

• Persistent joint pain
• Pain or tenderness in joints, aggravated by simple movement or physical activity, such as picking up an object off the floor, activities that require hand movement such as sewing or typing, walking, bending, etc.
• Inflammation indicated by joint swelling, stiffness, redness, and/or warmth
• Joint deformity (for example, toes or fingers may become stiff and distorted)
• Loss of range of motion or flexibility in a joint
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme fatigue, lack of energy
• Non-specific fever
• Crepitus, a symptom defined by a popping or crackling sound when moving the joints. If you have arthritis, gas (air) penetrates the joints and causes a popping sound. Crepitus may indicate wear and tear of the joints.1

Diagnosis
Since there are over a 100 different types of arthritis, there are many tests for arthritis and its related diseases. Your healthcare professional will order tests based on your complete list of symptoms. The following tests and procedures may help diagnose arthritis:

• Online Self-assessments – Self-assessments, such as the Candidiasis self-assessment and the Magnesium deficiency assessment, can help you determine some of the root cause(s) of your chronic conditions.
• Alkalive™ pH Stix™ – Quickly test your saliva to see if you have an acid alkaline imbalance. Studies have shown that reducing the level of acidity in the body may have a positive effect on alleviating the symptoms of arthritis.
• Markers that indicate degenerative disease and inflammation
  Patients with arthritis have inflammatory markers in their blood. Your healthcare professional may order blood tests that look for:
• Positive rheumatoid factor (RF) – Patients with arthritis tend to have this antibody in their blood. Rheumatoid factor is present in 80% of adults who have rheumatoid arthritis.
• Cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody – This type of antibody is found in people who suffer from arthritis.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) – This test measures the rate at which red blood cells fall to the bottom of a tube over time. An accelerated rate of sedimentation may indicate the presence of inflammation. Inflammation in the body increases when joints are swollen and painful.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) – C-reactive protein in the blood increases when inflammation is present in the body.
• ANA (antinuclear antibodies) blood test – This blood test determines the presence of antinuclear antibodies in the blood. The presence of these may indicate an auto-immune disorder where the body attacks itself. Arthritis may be the result of an auto-immune disorder.
• Blood tests that define kidney and liver function – A dysfunction of the kidney or liver may cause arthritis.
• Joint fluid cultures – A needle is inserted into the joint and fluid is extracted so that it can be tested for infection by foreign organisms.
• MRI – Magnetic Resonance imaging provides images of the joints in order to determine wear and tear or joint degeneration.
• Bone scan and bone density tests – These tests help determine bone health. Bone health directly affects joint health.
• X-rays – These help determine wear and tear of the joints in different areas of the body, such as the hand, neck, and pelvis.

Additional Information about Arthritis

1. Arthritis Overview
2. Common causes of arthritis
3. Natural and alternative treatments for arthritis
4. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of arthritis
5. Conventional or prescription medications used in the treatment of arthritis
6. Cited Sources and Additional Reading for arthritis

 

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Article ID: 199