A    diagnosis    of    arthritis    is    the    first    step    toward    arthritis treatment.   In   addition   to   arthritis   symptoms   and   a   doctor's examination,   blood   tests   and   X-rays   are   commonly   used   to confirm   rheumatoid   arthritis.   Most   people   with   rheumatoid arthritis    have    antibodies    called    rheumatoid    factors    (RF)    in their    blood,    although    RF    may    also    be    present    in    other disorders. X-rays   are   used   to   diagnose   osteoarthritis,   typically   revealing a    loss    of    cartilage,    bony    spurs,    and    bone    rubbing    against bone.   Sometimes   blood   tests   and   joint   aspiration   (using   a needle   to   draw   a   small   sample   of   fluid   from   the   joint   for testing) are used to rule out other types of arthritis. Treatment    of    arthritis    generally    includes    occupational    or physical   therapy   -   osteopathy,   exercise,   drugs,   and   sometimes surgery   to   correct   joint   damage.   Treatments   for   osteoarthritis generally     can     help     relieve     pain     and     stiffness,     but     the condition   may   continue   to   progress.   The   same   was   true   for rheumatoid   arthritis   in   the   past.   But   newer   treatments   for rheumatoid     arthritis     have     been     able     to     slow     or     stop progression of arthritis damage. The   duration   and   intensity   of   pain   and   discomfort   depend   on the type of arthritis you have and the degree of severity. Learning    to    protect    your    joints    is    an    important    part    of arthritis    treatment.    You    can    learn    easier    ways    to    do    your normal   activities,   such   as   avoiding   positions   that   strain   your joints;   using   your   strongest   joints   and   muscles   while   sparing weaker   ones;   wearing   braces   or   supports   for   certain   joints; using   grab   bars   in   the   bath;   using   modified   doorknobs,   canes, or   walkers;   and   using   devices   to   help   you   with   tasks   such   as opening jars or pulling up socks and zippers.