Diagnosing Arthritis

A correct diagnosis is essential before starting treatment. Many patients with bone and joint pain assume they have arthritis. There are numerous causes of joint pain that are not related to arthritis. Your physician will use your history, examination, x-rays and possibly your blood work to determine if you have arthritis and, if so, what type of arthritis you have.

Diagnosing Arthritis-Photo of Arthritis x-ray

On an x-ray, a healthy joint appears as if there is a space between the bones in the joint. Although you cannot see the cartilage on an x-ray, in the healthy joint, the cartilage is working to cushion and smooth the movement of the joint. On the x-ray of a joint with osteoarthritis, there is bone on bone contact because the cartilage in the joint has worn away.

It is only after this that a treatment plan will be recommended. Always consult with a physician to obtain a correct diagnosis.

All patient education materials are provided by OrthoPatientEd.com and have been reviewed by our Advisory Board of leading Orthopedic Surgeons to ensure accuracy. All materials are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from your orthopedic surgeon. Any medical decisions should be made after consulting a qualified physician.

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Orthopaedic Associates of Marlborough

  • Contact: contactus@orthomarlborough.com
    Billing: billingdept@orthomarlborough.com

Monday 8:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 8:00pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 7:30am - 11:00am

The office is generally closed for lunch from 12-1 daily.
*Office hours are subject to change without notice.

  • Marlborough Location
    Marlborough Medical Building

    65 Fremont Street | Marlborough, MA 01752
    Telephone: 508-485-3665 | Fax: 508-485-0899

  • Northborough Location
    Carewell Urgent Care Building

    333 Southwest Cutoff | Northborough, MA 01532
    Telephone: 508-485-3665
    Appointments call UMASS scheduling: 855-862-7763

  • Westborough Location
    UMass Memorial Orthopedics

    154 East Main Street | Westborough, MA 01581
    Telephone: 508-485-3665
    Appointments call UMASS scheduling: 855-862-7763

ORTHOPEDIC SERVICES

Make An Appointment

To schedule an appointment, please call (508) 485-3665 OR Make an Appointment Request online.

We are currently accepting new patients and referrals.