Persistent joint pain
When pain persists or limits daily activities. Not all joint pain is osteoarthritis or needs immediate imaging.
Swelling and stiffness
May point to inflammatory disease, especially when several joints are involved for weeks.
Back pain
Pain starting at a young age, improving with activity and worsening with rest may require assessment for spondyloarthritis.
Osteoporosis
Fragility fractures or an abnormal DXA scan justify a fracture-risk assessment.
Emergencies
An acutely swollen, very painful joint, sudden loss of vision, or back pain with sphincter disturbance or progressive neurological deficit.
Related content
A hot, very painful and swollen joint, especially with fever, requires urgent medical attention.