If you're experiencing symptoms of any form of arthritis, it's probably best to see a doctor. Some secondary symptoms of arthritis, such as fever, weight loss, rash and difficulty breathing, can be an indication of another problem, so it's important to have a doctor properly diagnose your condition. If your doctor does determine that it may be arthritis, you may be referred to a rheumatologist, or an arthritis specialist. It's important to get medical attention as early as possible to prevent potential bone loss or loss of range of motion.
Arthritis Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose arthritis with a medical history and physical exam to check for joint inflammation and deformity. Your doctor may also order lab work like blood, urine and joint fluid tests. X-rays are commonly used to check for cartilage loss in the affected joints, narrowing of the space between bones and the existence of nodules. Following the initial diagnosis, x-rays are also used to mark your arthritis progression.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
Cartilage does not show up on x-rays. X-rays do show changes in the space between bones, such as in the knee joint, if cartilage is worn away by arthritis. This video gives more information on the knee and arthritis.