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X-Rays vs MRI for knee and foot pain?

I had xrays of my knees and feet last year. I was told I had degenrative arthritis. I had gotten injections and have had less pain the past year. Now I am hurting again and going back to my rhuematologist next week. Should I request an MRI instead of Xrays? My insurance is good. I would rather have the best diagnosis possible.

Is an Xray better or an MRI better? or are they basically the same?

Public Comments

1. Degenerative Arthritis used to be called wear and tear. The x-ray would show the bones and the space between them, where the cartilage should be. The smaller the gap between the bones, the more OA you have. A MRI will show bones and cartilage, it would be more detailed but will just prove you have OA. Unfortunately their is no cure and eventually you will need your knees replaced. Best of Luck

2. The best things for this are weight loss if you are overweight even by a few pounds and exercise. Ask for a referral to a physical therapist who would help you to develop a program that you should be ablet to do on your own. If you have a pool around you walk in chest high water is going to help. Swimming is good for the problem. Riding a stationary bike is also good but the amount of tension has to be very light. Lifting light weights is also good for this condition. I recommend doing what are called super slow exercises. That is where a light weight is used and the movements are very slowly performed. Tje amount of stress on the joints is very minimal. The exercises should be done on machines and not with free weights. Talk to your rheumatologist about this.

3. MRI shows alot more detail than the x-ray does. He may not think it is critical to have an MRI. And your insurance may pitch a fit too.They dont like paying for those.