Typically, the course of the arthritis follows that of the
IBD, with flare-ups
and remissions coinciding. There is no one test that can diagnose peripheral arthritis, but instead several tests including blood tests, joint fluid analysis, and x-rays are used to exclude other conditions.
Symptoms of peripheral arthritis are pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints of the arms and legs (wrists, knees, and ankles) that may migrate between joints.