Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.
Hello - I am new to this group, and glad to be here, as it seems like a very friendly and helpful group.
I am 60 years old and overweight, and have had aching knees and legs (mild), on-and-off, for a few years now. However, within the last few months or so, I have been having pain in my knees which makes it difficult to rise from a chair, and I have to walk slowly, etc. Because I am so resistant to seeing doctors, I have been using my upper body strength, especially my right arm, to get myself up from a chair, and now my right arm and shoulder are even more painful than my knees.
My sister has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in her knees, and describes her symptoms as being identical to mine, so I am almost sure that this is arthritis. My question is: Is it better to see my internist first, or to see a specialist to make the diagnosis - such as an orthopedist or rheumotologist? I loathe going to doctors, and want the diagnostic process to be as simple as possible.
Thank you for any advice you can give me. If anyone could also let me know what a "typical" arthritis diagnostic work-up consists of, I would appreciate it -
Thank you - Janet
I am 60 years old and overweight, and have had aching knees and legs (mild), on-and-off, for a few years now. However, within the last few months or so, I have been having pain in my knees which makes it difficult to rise from a chair, and I have to walk slowly, etc. Because I am so resistant to seeing doctors, I have been using my upper body strength, especially my right arm, to get myself up from a chair, and now my right arm and shoulder are even more painful than my knees.
My sister has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in her knees, and describes her symptoms as being identical to mine, so I am almost sure that this is arthritis. My question is: Is it better to see my internist first, or to see a specialist to make the diagnosis - such as an orthopedist or rheumotologist? I loathe going to doctors, and want the diagnostic process to be as simple as possible.
Thank you for any advice you can give me. If anyone could also let me know what a "typical" arthritis diagnostic work-up consists of, I would appreciate it -
Thank you - Janet
As to a work up, I'm not sure what is typical. I have psoriatic arthritis, so along with blood work and a physical exam, I needed to see a dermatologist to make that diagnosis.
In order to get a confirmed diagnosis of arthritis the physician will definitely want to draw blood to check for autoimmune disorders, they normally start with X-rays, perform a questionnaire, and, of course, they had better perform a physical.
Some physicians will take this one step further if something shows up on an X-ray by prescribing an MRI, CT scan, or an Ultrasound.
Osteoarthritis is pretty straight forward to diagnosis as this usually shows easily on an X-ray. If an autoimmune disorder is suspected, it could take years to nail down the correct diagnosis.
I wish you the very best of health!
TheWino
I was seeing a rheumatologist for an autoimmune disease when new symptoms started with the joint pain. She asked lots of questions regarding the pain and followed with blood tests, X-Rays and a physical exam. She determined I had OA and bone spurs on my spine and neck. I was sent for a bone scan which also revealed Osteoporosis. Depending on the severity of your pain other tests may be ordered. MRI's reveal more than an X-Ray.
Symptoms, most times, help the doctor to determine which type of arthritis you have and the additional tests performed show them the severity of your problem.
I hope you receive a diagnosis and advice to help manage and hopefully relieve your pain. Best of Luck!
Your responses are VERY helpful, and I will try to get an appointment with a rheumatologist if I can - otherwise, see my PCP and then the rheumatologist -
Also, all of your descriptions of what the work-up usually consists of to diagnose arthritis made me feel a lot more reassured, knowing what to expect. Thank you so much! - Janet
Good Luck to you. You are taking the exact route that i would in your shoes.
Please keep us informed of how it goes. And, don't be shy if you have any questions.
Warm regards,
TheWino