Arthritis Symptoms: Online Self-Assessment & When to See a Doctor

Online symptom checkers can raise awareness but cannot replace medical diagnosis. Arthritis encompasses >100 conditions; accurate typing (OA, RA, PsA, gout, AS, etc.) requires clinical evaluation.

Self-Assessment Checklist (For Discussion with Provider)

1. Joint Pain: Location, character, severity (1–10), duration (>6 weeks?), pattern (morning vs. evening).
2. Stiffness: Morning stiffness >1 hour suggests inflammatory; <30 min suggests mechanical (OA).
3. Swelling: Visible, palpable, warm, boggy (effusion) vs. bony (osteophytes).
4. Range of Motion: Active/passive limitation; functional impact (dressing, stairs, grip).
5. Systemic Symptoms: Fatigue, low-grade fever, weight loss, rash, eye inflammation, psoriasis, IBD symptoms.
6. Family History: RA, PsA, AS, gout, lupus.
7. Trauma/Overuse History: Prior injury, repetitive occupation/sport.

Red Flags → Urgent Evaluation

• Hot, red, acutely painful joint (septic arthritis, gout).
• Inability to bear weight.
• Fever + joint pain.
• Rapid onset of multiple joint involvement.

Next Steps

• See primary care → referral to rheumatologist if inflammatory features.
• Bring symptom diary, medication list, family history.
• Expect: exam, labs (CRP, ESR, RF, anti-CCP, ANA, uric acid), imaging (X-ray, US, MRI).

Early diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis prevents joint damage. Don't delay.