Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

I just found out that I don't have osteoarthritis after all. I can't tell you how relieved I am. But it took going to three doctors before I got the correct diagnosis. How can they miss something like this? Isn't arthritis pretty easy to tell?

There are many different causes of joint pain and stiffness. The older we get, the more possibilities arise. There can be metabolic disorders, other bone diseases, and even other types of arthritis. The physician usually relies on a multi-step process to rule in (or rule out) osteoarthritis. The first step is the patient history. Although osteoarthritis often affects both joints at the same time (e.g., both knees, both hips), it can develop in a single joint as a result of an accident or trauma some time in the past. The involved joint will start to get tender and the bones enlarge until the joint is clearly bigger looking than the uninvolved joint. Physicians try to avoid what are called diagnostic pitfalls. It is easy to misinterpret patients' pain, deformity, X-rays, and lab results. An accurate diagnosis depends on the physician having an understanding of similarities (and differences) between signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and other possible causes of joint pain. Blood values can offer information about the level of components in blood normally linked with inflammation. For example, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, commonly referred to as ESR will be elevated with inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is also increased. And antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) may rise. But the wise physician also knows these values increase with age or obesity. Careful interpretation of lab values is advised in older adults with joint pain. The presence of any or all of these lab values doesn't immediately confirm a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. It's a fact that sometimes disease processes just don't present clearly enough at first to know for sure what's going on. The progression of diseases or conditions (like osteoarthritis) may result in diagnostic delays. It looks like the first physician "missed" the diagnosis but in fact, it just may have taken some time for the clinical picture to develop enough to be sure of the true underlying cause. It's good that you have an accurate diagnosis now to work with. Your situation is not that uncommon among joint pain sufferers. Hopefully, your question will help others struggling with a similar situati

References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.