Diagnosis
The diagnosis begins with a detailed anamnesis and a physical examination. During the examination, the physician examines the joints for possible swelling, redness and checks for movement restrictions. To do this, he moves all fingers and performs special functional tests.
He will also check the other joints of the fingers.During the anamnesis, we ask in particular about accidents in the past or similar complaints of relatives. In order to confirm the diagnosis of osteoarthritis, the physician has to resort to the use of X-ray examination. There are specific changes in the x-ray that indicate arthrosis, including narrowing of the joint space and cysts.
Specific parameters in the blood can also be tested. During the diagnostic process it is important to exclude other diseases or causes for the complaints, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Liverden arthrosis.