At Johns Hopkins, we offer a range of treatment options for people suffering from painful arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis -- from conservative non-drug therapies to sophisticated surgical procedures. Moreover, we are constantly researching new ways of managing arthritic conditions, including alternative and non-operative treatments. With every patient, our goal is always to ensure prompt, individualized and compassionate care of the highest caliber. During your evaluation, your doctor will provide a thorough physical examination and take a medical history. Your doctor may order X-rays to look for structural changes in the joint that indicate osteoarthritis. In rare cases where diagnosis is in question, your doctor may order a test called a joint aspiration in which fluid is drawn from the affected joint. This will help make a definitive diagnosis of osteoarthritis and/or rule out other diagnoses such as gout.
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