Doctors diagnose arthritis by taking a medical history, performing a physical exam and reviewing x-rays of the knee. Sometimes, additional blood tests are added to this to diagnose inflammatory arthritis. It is typically unnecessary to get an MRI to diagnose arthritis, since x-rays almost always reveal the presence and extent of the problem .
Pain is the most frequent symptom for patients with knee osteoarthritis. The pain from knee arthritis is usually described as being in the front or sides of the knee. The pain is frequently worsened with activity and relieved by rest. It may occur at night and, in severe cases, prevent sleep. Patients with knee arthritis also tend to have stiffness and often limp when they walk. They may have difficulty going up and down stairs and walking long distances.
The most frequent reason for osteoarthritis is genetic, since the durability of each individual’s cartilage is based on genetics. If your parents have arthritis, you may also get it. Trauma can also lead to osteoarthritis. A bad fall or blow to the knee at any point in your life can injure the joint. If the injury does not heal properly, extra force may be placed on the joint, which may cause the cartilage to wear away over time. Patients who have previously torn the meniscus cartilage or a ligament in their knee may be at increased risk for developing arthritis.
