Do DEXA Scans Show Arthritis?

While DEXA Scans can help detect conditions like osteoporosis and osteopenia, they are not designed to diagnose arthritis. However, they can sometimes provide indirect insights that may be relevant to arthritis management.

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What Can a DEXA Scan Detect?

DEXA scans excel at:

• Bone Mineral Density (BMD): Measuring the strength and thickness of bones to assess fracture risk.
• Body Composition: Providing detailed information about fat, lean muscle mass, and bone mass.

These measurements are vital for understanding bone health but do not include joint or cartilage assessment, which is crucial for diagnosing arthritis.

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Why Can’t DEXA Scans Diagnose Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, often involving inflammation, cartilage loss, or abnormal bone growth. Diagnosing arthritis typically requires:

• X-Rays: To identify joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or other structural changes.
• MRI Scans: For detailed images of soft tissues, including cartilage and ligaments.
• Blood Tests: To detect markers of inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).

Since DEXA scans are designed to measure bone density rather than joint structure or inflammation, they cannot detect these specific changes associated with arthritis.

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How Are DEXA Scans Related to Arthritis?

While a DEXA scan cannot directly diagnose arthritis, it may provide information that complements arthritis management:

• Bone Mineral Density: Low bone density is common in individuals with inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, due to factors such as inflammation or corticosteroid use.
• Fracture Risk Assessment: Arthritis patients, particularly those with osteoporosis or osteopenia, may benefit from knowing their fracture risk to prevent complications.

If arthritis is suspected, a healthcare provider may combine DEXA scan results with other diagnostic tools for a comprehensive assessment.

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What to Do If You Suspect Arthritis

If you’re experiencing symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, consult your doctor. They may recommend:

• Imaging tests, like X-rays or MRIs, for a closer look at joint structures.
• Blood tests to check for inflammation or autoimmune markers.
• A physical examination to assess joint function and mobility.

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When Should You Consider a DEXA Scan?

While DEXA scans are not a diagnostic tool for arthritis, they are valuable for understanding bone health, particularly if you’re at risk for osteoporosis or fractures. If you have arthritis and are concerned about bone density, a DEXA scan can help guide preventive measures.

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Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today

If you’re ready to take control of your health with the most accurate body composition analysis available, it’s time to book your DEXA scan at KALOS. Whether you’re looking to get lean, build muscle, improve performance, or optimize longevity, our advanced technology and expert guidance will help you get there. Schedule your scan today at KALOS—your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.