Inspect the joints and surrounding tissues as you examine the various parts of the body.

Identify joints with changes in structure and function, carefully assessing affected joints for:

Deformity or malalignment of bones

Symmetry of involvement--one or both sides of the body; one joint or several

Changes in surrounding soft tissue--skin changes, subcutaneous nodules, muscle atrophy, crepitus

Limitations in range of motion, ligamentous laxity

Changes in muscle strength