Understanding
arthritis check.
Understand joint symptoms and the role of clinical assessment and blood tests.
What you need to know.
Arthritis can cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. There are different types, including osteoarthritis and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Assessment depends on your symptoms and may involve examination, targeted blood tests or imaging.
Signs & symptoms
- Joint pain or tenderness
- Stiffness and restricted movement
- Swelling around a joint
- Symptoms affecting everyday activities
Factors to discuss
- Previous joint injury
- Family history of some forms of arthritis
- Age and other factors depending on the type
- Ongoing swelling or stiffness warrants assessment
What testing can tell you.
Calcium and uric acid are included in Essential, Advanced and Performance & Longevity, but these are not a comprehensive arthritis assessment. The current packages do not list rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP testing.
A calcium result cannot diagnose or rule out arthritis. Even targeted blood tests do not establish every diagnosis on their own. Speak to your GP about persistent joint symptoms.
Your next step
If you have symptoms or a specific health concern, speak to your GP. If you’re choosing a routine health screen, review the package’s included tests or ask our team for help.
Further reading: NHS information on this topic