Is It Possible to Detect Arthritis with the Help of Bone Function Tests?

Arthritis is a condition that inflames the joints (and not the bones). Hence, bone health checks are not a useful tool to diagnose arthritis. However, individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can opt for these tests, since they are more likely to develop osteoporosis at later stages of their life (than those who do not).

In this blog, we will discuss about common diagnostic procedures, such as bone density, bone profile blood tests, etc., and know if they are helpful for arthritic people. Read below for details.

What is a bone density test?

A bone density test is a simple procedure, similar to X-ray imaging. It is pain-free and does not require any prior preparation. The screening time usually spans for 15 minutes, helping measure parameters like bone strength and mineral density. The hip bone and lumbar spine are mainly targeted in this test.

Doctors may also suggest a peripheral bone density alongside for obtaining detailed insights into bone health. It helps measure the bone density in your heels, wrists, lower arm and fingers.

With a bone density test, it is possible to determine whether individuals have weak bones or are at a greater risk of suffering from fractures. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health, osteoporosis develops silently, without exhibiting any early symptoms (until a bone has broken).

The outcomes of bone density tests are generally laid out in the form of T-score. It helps compare the bone density of a suspected individual with that of the standard value (obtained from a healthy person).

Scores in the “+” range denote that an individual has a greater than average bone density value. On the other hand, a score in the “-” range indicates lower than normal bone density. Here’s what the T-score results infer.

• Normal: A T-score falling between +1 and -1.
• Low bone density: A T-score within the range of -1 and -2.5.
• Osteoporosis: A T-score of -2.5 or even lower than that.

Does it indicate arthritis?

Bone density test scores are not capable of indicating arthritis – an inflammatory disease of the joints. However, your doctor may recommend this screening procedure for rheumatoid arthritis, as they already have low bone density.

As per the findings of National Institutes of Health (NIH), people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have a greater risk of osteoporosis. This happens due to:

• Glucocorticoid drug treatment that causes bone loss.
• Inactivity due to extreme pain and loss of joint function
• Bone loss occurring due to physiological issues associated with rheumatoid arthritis. This is more pronounced in regions surrounding the inflamed joints.

As per a recent study conducted in 2020, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are at a double risk of developing osteoporosis than the general population. Plus, they may get fractures with higher bone mineral densities. Due to the strong association of rheumatoid arthritis with osteoporosis, most doctors suggest different techniques to determine the exact cause of early-diagnosed cases. This helps indicate the intensity of the issue.

Other diagnostic tests for arthritis

Alongside a physical exam, doctors sometimes use the following tests to diagnose arthritis. They are as follows:

• Image tests: These evaluations check out for inflamed joints and their erosion. Standard tests comprise X-rays, ultrasounds and MRIs.
• Electrodiagnostic test: This test helps determine a significant disruption in the electrical activity of nerves.
• Blood tests: According to previous research, blood tests can help diagnose some forms of arthritis, such as, rheumatoid arthritis. However, assessing the current physical symptoms and medical past also holds importance.
• Fluid and tissue tests: These tests check for joint fluid; sometimes, a tissue biopsy from the dermis or muscle layer can also be performed.

Other uses of bone density test

Not just for determining osteoporosis, but, a bone density test can also asses fracture risks and monitor the efficiency of medical treatments. Apart from this, this test also helps females those who have:

• Already experienced menopause (50 years and above)
• Undergone menopause and do not take oestrogen
• High body weight and height
• Existing renal disease and rheumatoid arthritis

Professionals also recommend it for individuals who:

• Has a family history of smoking or hip joint fractures.
• Use medications that may lead to bone loss, including antiseizure medications like phenytoin (Dilantin) or corticosteroids such as prednisone (Rayos)
• Exhibit elevated bone turnover
• Has a condition that elevates the risk, like type 1 diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism

When to reach out to a physician?

The Arthritis Foundation states that immediate medical care is not needed for mild or rare joint discomfort. Moreover, if an individual suffers from a type of arthritis that leads to lasting joint damage, early intervention can assist in maintaining joint function.

Keeping this in consideration, a person should be alert for these signs:

• Inflammation and heat in joints
• Discomfort or rigidity in one or multiple joints
• Sensitivity in the joints
• Unable to move joints

Individuals should a doctor if they have joint symptoms persisting for over 3 days or encounter multiple symptoms within a month. They might begin with a primary care physician, although certain individuals may require a visit to a rheumatologist who focuses on arthritis-related diseases.

Conclusion

A bone density test does not indicate arthritis; instead, it assesses the condition of the bones rather than the joints. Physicians utilise it to determine the existence and intensity of osteoporosis.

Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis are more prone to bone loss because of various factors. This comprises the bodily impacts of their situation and the lack of activity it generates. Negative responses to a frequently used drug they are on can also be a contributing factor. For these reasons, physicians might recommend that they have a bone density test performed.

Since some forms of arthritis are responsible for permanently damaging the joints, an individual who experiences joint pain several times each month must consult with a private doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment in the form of bone density and bone profile blood tests can significantly help prevent the damage caused by the condition to a great extent.

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