Arthritis is a painful condition that is said to affect an estimated 350 million people around the world. Nearly everyone complains about some soreness, aches, pain, and stiffness, which do not necessarily raise the alarm for a serious condition. But if the pain is severe, and the achy hip or creaky knee stops you from performing your daily tasks or enjoying activities that you usually do, like exercising, then you may need to visit your Riverside arthritis doctor.

What can your doctor do?

The first step in managing arthritis is obtaining a proper and accurate diagnosis. New treatment methodologies are changing the way doctors are managing arthritis, making the chronic and incurable disease much easier to control without imminent disability.

Visiting your Riverside arthritis doctor will ensure that the condition is correctly diagnosed, and more importantly, ensure that the exact type of arthritis affecting you is identified. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, all with distinct causes and treatment recommendations. So, it is critical that a thorough examination and the appropriate diagnostic tests are conducted to determine the exact cause of your joint-related symptoms.

Likely diagnostic tests

If your symptoms include reddened skin around the joints, stiffness, swelling, feeling of warmth, and limited range of motion, your doctor will order blood work to test for one or more of the following:

* Rheumatoid factor (RF) antibody - Only an estimated 30 percent of patients test positive for the RF antibody during the initial stages of arthritis, but eventually it tests positive for 80 percent of patients.

* Cyclic citrullinated peptid (CCP) antibody - Patients who test positive for the CCP antibody, as well as the RF antibody usually have higher chances of developing a more severe form of RA (rheumatoid arthritis)

Blood tests for anemia and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation (sed) rate are also necessary to confirm the degree of inflammation in the joints.

In the early stages of arthritis (the first 3 to 6 months), it is unlikely to notice any changes through X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs. However, they can be used later to track changes in the affected joints.

Your doctor will also perform a physical exam as part of the screening process to confirm the symptoms, including the bumps, nodules, and joint swelling, and identify their location.

After the diagnosis

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your Riverside arthritis doctor will help you identify the best way to treat your case of arthritis. It is best to avoid over-reliance on over-the-counter pain medications and a sedentary lifestyle, so your doctor can prescribe drugs to help reduce inflammation in the affected joints, allowing you to resume your physical activities.

Exercise, physical therapy, heat and cold applications, and other interventions may also be recommended, or used in combination with your medications to effectively manage your joint pain and stiffness.