Visit the Arthritis topic for more information on osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
History and Physical Examination
The healthcare provider will ask about:
- When the symptoms began and how severe they are.
- Family history of joint diseases.
- Medications – both prescription and over-the-counter.
- Exercise and lifestyle.
- Symptoms such as weight or appetite loss, sleep problems, rashes, fever, muscle weakness, sick feeling, or depression.
The healthcare provider will do a physical exam. This will include:
- Finding the source of the pain and which joints are involved.
- Evaluation of the area.
- Tests of range of motion, joint stability, and the ability to walk and get in and out of a chair.
A healthcare provider may order additional tests.
Lab Tests
These tests may include:
- Blood and urine tests.
- Tests of the fluid from the affected joint (aspiration).
- Imaging tests that take pictures of joint damage.
- Arthroscopy, which involves using a camera to look inside the joint.
Please note:
- Low back pain that many people experience often goes away within 6 weeks.
- Treatment involves to rest and home stretching exercises in addition to ice or heat and over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen.
- Imaging tests are often not needed for treatment of low back pain, but older adults should talk to their healthcare provider about their care.
- Fibromyalgia can be hard to diagnose in older adults. Other conditions that can mimic the widespread pain of this disease.
Last Updated May 2023