
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints, causing inflammation or degeneration in them. It can affect joints in your feet, hips, knee, lower back, or hands. While there are many types of arthritis, the most common form is osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage between your joints breaks down.
If you notice sudden stiffness or swelling in your joints, you might think it is a sprain or injury. However, a continuing pain or stiffness that has been there for a long period might be a sign of arthritis.
If left untreated, arthritis can cause severe injury or deformation of the joints and cause motor function issues in patients. Hence, getting an arthritis test early and getting diagnosed for the same is important
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When is an Arthritis Test Prescribed?
The doctor may prescribe arthritis tests for you under the following circumstances:
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If you have been suffering from unbearable, lasting pain for a long time
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If you feel stiffness, pain, or swelling in your joints
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If your range of movements has decreased significantly
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If there is redness or inflammation over your joints
Furthermore, a doctor may recommend arthritis tests if you have a family history of the disease or any other related diseases. Such predisposition might lead to the development of arthritis in your body.
Why are Arthritis Tests Important?
Arthritis is a chronic condition that can last long and worsen over time.? It is important to get your arthritis condition confirmed through proper lab tests, as you can begin your treatment only after proper testing. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are treatments that can help ease the symptoms.
It is important to book an arthritis test and see your doctor for treatment to relieve your symptoms and prevent further joint damage. Further, you may have to undergo arthritis tests regularly to track your condition's development over time and distinguish between different types of arthritis.
How is An Arthritis Test Performed?
There are several types of arthritis, each requiring a different diagnostic test. However to narrow down the causes, your doctor may recommend various blood tests, the results of which may suggest the condition's existence. Some of these tests may include:
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Anti-CCP antibodies test
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Rheumatoid factor test
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C-reactive protein (CRP) test
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Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test
Some other tests that can diagnose the condition include MRIs, X-Rays, joint scans, and physical assessment tests.
If you are opting for blood tests at home, a medical practitioner will visit your home to collect your blood samples. They will take the collected samples to the lab for testing. In case of imaging tests and physical assessments, you will need to visit the lab.
Time Required for Test Reports: Next Step
Blood tests are simple and usually arrive within 24 hours. For other arthritis tests, you would need to wait 3-4 days for your test results to come.
Worried you might have Arthritis? Get an early diagnosis to avoid potential health risks before they occur.?
Book Arthritis Tests Online with Metropolis now.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any symptoms of arthritis, such as pain, swelling, or inflammation lasting for a long period, you can do two things. You should book a consultation with your doctor or book an arthritis test online as soon as possible.
Here are some early symptoms of arthritis:
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Swelling
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Stiffness of Joints
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Pain
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Redness or soreness
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inflammation
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Not able to move joints in their full range
The tests need to be done on an empty stomach.
The arthritis test requires no special preparations. Patients may still find it helpful to talk to their doctor before the test about any medications or supplements that they are taking, as well as any questions or concerns about the test.
When the pain becomes unbearable, an arthritis test becomes mandatory. However, if you notice any symptoms in the early stages, it is best to see a doctor as soon as the pain arises.
You can book a home collection of your blood samples for the tests you want to get done. The sample will be processed at the lab, and you can get the reports on your mobile/email or collect it from the lab. You can perform these with the help of our Metropolis health experts.