Thermal imaging cameras are a new diagnostic tool for arthritis. An accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment of arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment of arthritis is important, because joint damage can occur early in the course of the disease. Doctors do their best to diagnose and treat arthritis before damage to the joints occurs.

Thermal imaging cameras can detect electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum (roughly 900–14,000 nanometers or 0.9–14 micrometers) and produce images of that radiation. Infrared radiation is electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength longer than that of visible light, but shorter than radio waves. People with arthritis have increased temperature around their joints. Using a thermal imaging camera to detect this abnormality may assist doctors in the diagnosis of arthritis.

• What is the technology behind thermal imaging cameras?
• How do thermal imaging cameras help diagnose arthritic joints?
• How commonly is a thermal imaging camera used as a diagnostic technique?

We asked rheumatologist Scott J. Zashin, M.D., to explain How Are Thermal Imaging Cameras Used to Detect Arthritis?

Related Resources:

• How is Arthritis Treated?
• How is Arthritis Diagnosed?
• Inflammation: The Battle Within
• Is Early Diagnosis of Arthritis Important?
• Blood Tests / Diagnostic Tests for Arthritis

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_{Source: Thermography, Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermography; Photo by David Pedre}