How to check for joint pain

Joint pain can be diagnosed through physical examination, imaging examination, and laboratory testing to determine the cause. The main examination methods for joint pain include physical examination, X-ray examination, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound examination, joint puncture, and laboratory examination.

1. Physical examination:

The doctor will conduct a preliminary assessment of joint condition through visual examination, palpation, and range of motion testing. Visually observe whether there is redness, swelling, deformity, or changes in skin color in the joints; Palpation examination for tenderness, elevated skin temperature, or fluid accumulation in the local area; The range of motion test allows you to actively or passively move your joints to determine if your range of motion is limited and if pain is induced at a specific angle. For example, knee joint examination evaluates patellar friction sounds and drawer tests to determine ligament or meniscus injuries.

2. X-ray examination:

X-ray is the preferred method for examining joint skeletal structure, which can clearly display lesions such as bone hyperplasia, joint space stenosis, fractures or dislocations. For patients suspected of having osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic fractures, X-rays can provide basic diagnostic evidence. During the examination, it is usually necessary to take anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, and some joints such as the knee joint also require weight-bearing radiographs to evaluate joint stability.

3. Magnetic resonance imaging:

Magnetic resonance imaging has extremely high resolution for soft tissue and can clearly display structures such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons, meniscus, and synovium within the joint. When there is suspicion of meniscus tear, ligament rupture, cartilage injury, or early bone failure, magnetic resonance imaging is the best choice. The examination process does not involve radiation, but it is necessary to remain still for about 15-30 minutes. If there are metal implants or pacemakers in the body, the doctor should be informed in advance.

4. Ultrasound examination:

Ultrasound examination can dynamically evaluate the soft tissue condition around the joint, especially suitable for detecting joint effusion, synovitis, tendinitis or tendon sheath cysts. During the examination, the doctor will use a high-frequency probe to slide on the joint surface and observe for any liquid dark areas or increased blood flow signals. Ultrasound is radiation free, easy to operate, and suitable for follow-up of pregnant women, children, or patients who require multiple follow-up examinations.

5. Joint puncture and laboratory examination:

When there is obvious swelling in the joint or suspicion of infection, gout, or pseudo gout, the doctor will perform joint puncture. After puncturing and extracting joint fluid, it is sent for testing to analyze its color, transparency, cell count, crystal composition, and pathogen culture. For example, urate crystals can be found in the joint fluid of gout patients, while infectious arthritis is characterized by significantly elevated white blood cells and positive bacterial culture. At the same time, blood tests such as blood routine, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, and anti cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies can help differentiate between inflammatory arthritis or autoimmune diseases.

It is recommended that you choose appropriate examinations based on the location, nature, and accompanying symptoms of the pain, and provide a detailed description of the onset time, causes, and medical history when seeking medical attention. Daily attention should be paid to avoiding excessive weight-bearing on joints. In the acute phase, ice can be applied to relieve swelling, while in the chronic phase, low-intensity activities such as swimming or cycling should be performed appropriately to maintain joint flexibility. If the pain persists or worsens, please seek medical attention promptly at the orthopedics or rheumatology and immunology department, and the doctor will develop an individualized examination plan.