How to Diagnose Joint Pain

Joint pain is common and can be caused by many conditions, including arthritis, bursitis, autoimmune diseases or just the natural progression of aging. The wide range of causes can make the cause of joint pain hard to diagnose. Attention to detail is perhaps the best way to begin the road to diagnosis when you are experiencing joint pain.

Things You'll Need

• Journal Physical examination X-rays Medications

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep a journal of your joint pain symptoms. Documenting your symptoms can help you explain them more clearly when it's time to get an accurate diagnosis. If you feel achiness, sharp pain or stiffness in your joints, note this in your journal along with the time of day the pain occurred.

• 2

  Record any symptoms that accompany your joint pain, such as a fever, a rash or other health problems. According to "Diagnosing Arthritis," an article published April 1, 2008, on AARP.org, some joint pain that is consistent with arthritis can accompany other systemic abnormalities, such as headaches or changes in bowel habits.

• 3

  Schedule a physical exam with your doctor. The doctor may be able to diagnose your joint pain easily upon seeing certain symptoms, such as swelling and redness in your joints. You might be sent to have X-rays to rule out fractures or other structural damage.

• 4

  Take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation. Report back to your doctor if you are not getting any relief, as this information might further help the doctor diagnose your problem.