Arthritis is a term often used to mean any disorder that affects joints.
Diagnosis is made by clinical examination from an appropriate health professional, and may be supported by other tests such as radiology and blood tests, depending on the type of suspected arthritis. Comparison of major arthritis for diagnosis
Osteoarthritis |
Rheumatoid arthritis |
Gouty arthritis |
|
onset |
Months |
Weeks-months |
Hours for an attack |
Main locations |
Weight-bearing joints (such as knees, hips, vertebral column) and hands |
Hands (proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joint) wrists, ankles, knees and hips |
Great toe, ankles, knees and elbow |
Inflammation |
May occur, though often mild compared to inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis |
Yes |
Yes |
Radiologic changes |
Osteophytes Local osteosclerosis Subchondral cysts |
Bone erosions |
|
Laboratory findings |
None |
Anemia, elevated ESR and C-reactive protein(CRP), rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated protein antibody |
Crystal in joints |
Other features |
Bouchard’s and Heberden’s nodes |
|
Tophi Nephrolithiasis |
Benzoic acid – gouty concretions of joints, knee pain due to abnormal deposition of uric acid
Hypericum. – Remarkable remedy for rheumatoid arthritis has outstanding action over nerve pain.