An evaluation of arthritis begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in those with arthritis may include:

• Joint pain
• Joint redness
• Joint swelling
• Joint warmth
• Fever
• Rash: erythema marginatum may be present
• Skin nodules

Tests are necessary to determine the underlying cause for the arthritis.

Tests for arthritis may include:

• Serum uric acid level
• Lyme disease assay
• HLA B27 assay
• Blood anti-DNAase B
• Blood anti-streptozyme
• Blood ASO titers
• Complete blood count
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: ESR may be elevated
• Throat culture or rapid strep screen:
• Detects streptococcus bacteria
• Echocardiogram
• Arthrocentesis:
• Can confirm the diagnosis of gout
• Arthroscopy
• Arthrogram
• MRI of joint

For more information:

• Gout evaluation
• Septic arthritis evaluation
• Lupus evaluation
• Lyme disease evaluation
• Osteoarthritis evaluation
• Rheumatoid arthritis evaluation
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis evaluation
• Pseudogout evaluation
• Adult Still's disease evaluation
• Reiter's syndrome evaluation