Diagnosis and tests

Suppose your doctor suspects a case of knee osteoarthritis. In that case, they will likely perform an examination, ask about your symptoms, and order specific tests. A physical exam will be done to check for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. The doctor may also ask about your medical history, including any injuries or illnesses you have had in the past. You may be asked to do certain exercises to help assess how your knee responds to various movements.

Imaging tests are fundamental to reaching a diagnosis, especially in knee osteoarthritis. You may need to undergo an X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) scan, or arthroscopy to determine the nature of the problem and to help plan treatment.