How to get a diagnosis

You might first notice changes in your joints or how you feel overall. Common early signs of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness (especially when you first wake up or after resting), swelling, warmth, or redness in the joints. You may also feel more tired than usual or generally unwell, especially if the arthritis is inflammatory. 

Sometimes these symptoms come on slowly, and it’s easy to think they’re just part of getting older, a minor injury, or as we age. However, if the symptoms continue or start to affect your daily activities, like walking, getting dressed, or sleeping, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Make an appointment with your GP if your symptoms persist or begin to interfere with your daily life. 

At this visit, you will be asked questions to help the health professional understand your symptoms: when they started, which joints are affected, how severe the pain or stiffness is, and whether you have any family history of arthritis or other health conditions. They will also examine your joints to check for swelling, tenderness, range of movement, warmth, or any changes in joint shape. 

Your health professional might order some initial tests. These can include blood tests to check for signs of inflammation, certain antibodies, or uric acid levels, and imaging tests like X-rays or other scans to look at the condition of your joints. These results help your doctor decide whether you may have arthritis and what type it might be.

• Keep a symptom diary and bring it along. Visit the section on types of pain to learn how to describe your pain
• Write down your questions or concerns ahead of time. This will help you feel more focused and avoid forgetting anything important
• Take a pen and paper to write down notes or instructions
• Bring a support person if you can. A second pair of ears can make a big difference
• You can ask for an interpreter if te reo Māori or another language helps you feel more comfortable

• Book a double appointment if you have lots to talk about
• Leave a copy of your questions with the GP; they might follow up later if they don’t have time to answer everything in the moment
• If you’re unsure about something your GP said, ask again. It’s important that you understand your own health and feel empowered to make decisions
• If you're not satisfied with an answer, you can always ask for a second opinion

If your GP thinks you need further support, they may refer you to a specialist. This could be:

• A rheumatologist – a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and managing inflammatory types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, or gout among others
• An orthopaedic surgeon – a specialist who focuses on bones and joints and may be involved if surgery or joint injections are being considered, especially for osteoarthritis

Referrals can be through the public health system or privately, depending on availability, urgency, and your personal circumstances.

If you have osteoarthritis, your GP may continue managing your care or refer you to other professionals like a physiotherapist to support movement and strength, or an orthopaedic specialist if surgical options are needed.

When you see a rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon, they will take a closer look at your overall health and joint symptoms. This includes:

• Reviewing your medical history
• Examining your joints in detail
• Asking how your symptoms have changed over time
• Considering any other health conditions you may have

They may also order additional tests, such as:

• Blood tests
• Imaging like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs

This thorough assessment helps the specialist make an accurate diagnosis and decide on the best treatment options to manage your arthritis and support your quality of life.