bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Tests for Musculoskeletal Disorders
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests are often helpful in making the diagnosis of a musculoskeletal disorder. For example, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube containing blood. The ESR is usually increased when inflammation is present. However, because inflammation occurs in so many conditions, the ESR alone does not establish a diagnosis. The level of creatine kinase (a normal muscle enzyme that leaks out and is released into the bloodstream when muscle is damaged) may also be tested. Levels of creatine kinase are increased when there is widespread ongoing destruction of muscle. In Diagnosis , a blood test to identify rheumatoid factor or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody is helpful in making the diagnosis. In Diagnosis (SLE or lupus), blood tests to identify autoimmune antibodies (autoantibodies), such as antinuclear antibodies and antibodies to double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), help in making the diagnosis. ). People who have this gene are at increased risk of developing Overview of Spondyloarthritis , a group of disorders that can cause inflammation of the back and other joints as well as other symptoms, such as eye pain and redness and rashes. Some laboratory tests are also often useful to help monitor the progress of treatment. For example, the ESR can be particularly useful in helping to monitor the progress of treatment in Diagnosis or 