Examination of A Joint
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 1999 Mar / Apr VOL VIII NO 2.
Dr C H Asrani

An examination is always based on a plan. So too in Arthritis; while tackling any joint pain, the examination should be such so as not to miss any vital clues.

Ask

1. Where the problem is?
2. Can he point to it specifically?
3. Can he indicate an area of vague discomfort?
4. Can he move the joint actively?

1. Is there swelling?
2. Is there obvious deformity? Compare with the other side.
3. Is there muscle wasting?
4. Is there a lump?
5. Does the joint look normal?

1. Examine the good side first and then the affected joint.
2. Does the joint feel normal? Look at the patient's face for grimacing.
3. Is there tenderness on examination? If so, is it localized?
4. Is there fluid or effusion? Test for fluctuation.
5. Can the abnormal movement be demonstrated by stressing the ligaments?

1. Note whether movements look normal or is there difficulty, discomfort or pain?
2. Note also, what range of movements is possible without help?
3. Passive movements - move the joint through the anatomical range first.
4. Are the movements full?
5. Is there pain?
6. Compare the range to good side.
7. Now move the joint outside its normal anatomical range to stress the ligaments. Do this gently.
8. Is there excessive or abnormal movement?
9. Is there pain?

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