This document provides guidance on approaching a case of arthritis by discussing the history, signs, symptoms, patterns, screening tests, and types of arthritis. It outlines the key differences between inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis, acute vs chronic presentations, monoarticular vs polyarticular involvement, and symmetric vs asymmetric distribution. Screening tests are recommended based on whether the arthritis presentation is acute polyarthritis, chronic polyarthritis, or diffuse arthralgias and myalgias.