About Arthritis Treatments Healthy Living Juvenile Arthritis Professionals Science Get Involved DONATE Your Local Area Sign In Back Diagnosing Arthritis Information about symptoms, health and lifestyle habits will help determine the type of arthritis you have. It’s not unusual to have aches and pains occasionally. When pain doesn’t subside on its own after a day or two, interferes with everyday activities or steadily gets worse, it is time to see a doctor. To determine if joint pain and other symptoms are caused by arthritis or a related condition, your doctor will gather information. Here are the types of questions to expect. During the medical history, your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, general health, family history and habits to better evaluate your situation. Here are some of the topics you will cover: Medical History Symptoms General Health Family History Habits Physical Exam Imaging Tests Nerve Tests Blood, Fluid and Tissue Tests Get Expert Advice Been diagnosed with arthritis? You're not alone. Our team of experts has answers to your questions in this latest e-Book. Get the e-Book Quick Links Managing Pain Treatment Nutrition Exercise Emotional Well-being Daily Living Understanding Arthritis View All Articles Understanding Arthritis Blood, Fluid and Tissue Tests for Arthritis Checking blood, tissues and various body fluids help doctors diagnose and monitor arthritis. Read More Understanding Arthritis What Is Arthritis? Arthritis is more than just wear and tear or an old person’s disease. Find out about the different types of arthritis. Read More Understanding Arthritis Do I Have Arthritis? Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs. Read More Making Sense of Your Insurance Choose the right coverage, reduce costs and minimize claim denials with these helpful tips. Get Started Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes. Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you’ll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others. First Name* Last Name* Email Address* Zip Code* Phone Number Do you have arthritis? Yes Get Involved Live Yes! Arthritis Community Live Yes! Connect Group Live Yes! Online Community Local Office Events Webinars Blog Store About About Us Annual Report Careers Code Of Ethics Financials Privacy Notice Terms of Use Espanol Join Us Jingle Bell Run Let's Get a Grip on Arthritis JA Camps Walk to Cure Arthritis Home Office 1355 Peachtree St NE Suite 600 Atlanta, GA 30309 Helpline: 1.800.283.7800 Contact Us Atlanta, GA 57° Arthritis Index BENEFICIAL See More Details Arthritis Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) EIN 58-1341679 I Want to Contribute I Need Help Donate Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Volunteer Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available. Live Yes! INSIGHTS Take part to be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis. Partner Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission. Donate Ways to Give Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing. Make a Donation Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now! Become a Member Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. Make a Honor or Memorial Gift Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift. Gift Planning I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles. Other Ways to Give Match Gift Donate a Car Donor-Advised Funds