Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis. The most common symptoms in the initial stages are:

• Joint pain- knee or hip pain
• Swelling
• Redness in the joints
• Tenderness in joints
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

Common tests & procedures

Physical examination: To examine swelling of joints and redness.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): It is a blood test to check inflammation.

C-reactive protein (CRP): This is a blood marker test to determine acute inflammation. CRP is produced in liver and the higher level indicates the degree of inflammation.

Antinuclear antibody test (ANA): A blood test to measure the antibodies that attack the healthy proteins. It helps in diagnosing auto-immune diseases.

Anti-cyclic citrullinated protein test (Anti-CCP): To identify the anti-CCP antibody, which is an antibody that causes RA.

X-ray: Knee X-ray is taken to check the cartilage loss, bone damage and bone spurs. X-rays are also used to track the progression of the disease.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI scan of joints provides more detailed images of cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

CT scan: CT Scan of the joints helps in checking the bones and the surrounding tissues.

Ultrasound: Instrumental in checking for any fluid containing structures in joints. This is also used to guide needle placement for injections and joint aspirations.