doctors make a diagnosis of oa based on a physical exam and history of symptoms. the diagnosis of osteoarthritis is based on a combination of the following factors: * a description of symptoms. * the location and pattern of pain. * certain findings in a physical examination. x-rays may be used to confirm a diagnosis and to make sure that no other type of arthritis is present. most people over age 60 reflect the disease on x-ray; about a third of patients have actual symptoms. sometimes blood tests are administered. while blood tests cannot point to anything in particular that can help a doctor confirm the presence of oa the tests can help the doctor determine the presence of a different type of arthritis. if fluid has accumulated in the body's joints the doctor may remove some of the fluid with a process called joint aspiration and may examine the fluid under a microscope to rule out other diseases.
how is osteoarthritis diagnosed?