There are no tests to find out if you have osteoarthritis (OA). Your doctor may think you have OA because of your symptoms, their pattern, and a physical exam. Imaging tests such as x-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scan can show if you have it. The tests can also find out how much damage you have. A joint with OA will have lost some of the normal space that is between the bones. This can be viewed on an imaging test.
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116897/Osteoarthr...s-OA-of-the-knee. Updated March 15, 2018. Accessed May 30, 2018.
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114846/Osteoarth...is-OA-of-the-hip. Updated March 15, 2018. Accessed May 30, 2018.
Osteoarthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Osteoarthritis/default.asp. Updated May 30, 2016. Accessed May 30, 2018.
Sinusas, K. Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2012;85(1):49-56.
Last reviewed May 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.