Following the security protocol and concerns, airports install scanning devices to check for items that may cause concern and harm. There are also full-body scanners that do not scan anything within the body but capture a full profile, lacking specific detail. Often people wonder whether airport scanners can detect arthritis.
Arthritis is a condition that commonly affects almost millions of people worldwide, causing stiffness, swelling, and joint pain, making it problematic to perform everyday chores.
While there are several ways to detect and diagnose arthritis, our today’s discussion primarily revolves around if can airport scanners detect arthritis.
Can Airport Scanners Detect Arthritis?
Airport scanners are majorly designed and implemented to check and detect prohibited items and other dangerous metal objects that travelers may want to take on board with them. Still, it is unfortunate for an airport scanner ever to detect arthritis.
This is because arthritis is a condition typically affecting and occurring in the joints. Hence, the scanners cannot perform a scan deep enough to detect arthritis from within the bones. However, arthritis may not be detectable, but still, airport scanners would catch on and can see the prominent side effect it has: scarred tissue. 
Scarring of the tissue results from general arthritis and osteoarthritis and is flagged on an airport scanner because tissue on the scarred area is much denser than the normal tissue as it has developed after the breakdown of bones and cartilage.
Detailing Airport Scanner:
Scanners used to scan the body at an airport utilize radio waves to assist them in taking an image or an overview of the body through which anything not fitting or otherwise laying out of the flush with the surrounding protrudes or surface is flagged and highlighted vividly in yellow.
Since the scarred area has an abnormal mass of tissue, it is highlighted in the scanner; regardless, no further information about the highlighted area is provided by the ordinary scanner.
Additionally, airport scanners will not display any scarring on the tissue in meticulous detail; instead, they only present the body’s profile while highlighting areas that may not appear as expected.
When you are aware of your arthritis illness, before traveling to an airport and going through a scan in the airport scanner, we advise you to carry a long note from your doctor that identifies all the body areas where the arthritis is present.
Then when a highlight reflects on an airport scanner, you can quickly use your medical prescription as a clarification to clear the air and prevent yourself from being involved in an embarrassing TSA agent pat down.
Traveling With Arthritis:
Instead of choosing to be ashamed of your arthritis medicinal condition and deciding against traveling to an airport, it’s high time you embrace arthritis and resort to seeking some assistance during flights.
Following, we state some helpful and valuable tips you can use before you board your flight with arthritis. Rest assured; we are confident that these tips will make your flight with arthritis much more bearable.
Adapt Minimalism:
You necessarily do not have to carry a huge carry-on bag, so pare down your belongings to those you need and pack them all into a fanny pack or a small bag that you can conveniently carry.
Carrying or pulling heavy luggage at the airport can make the trip to the gate harder than necessary. Make your life easier, and adapt minimalism!
Request Assistance:
Legally, every airline is required and mandated to assist all those travelers who request an electric cart or wheelchair or those who may need help with the transportation of their luggage.
Considering walking is an arduous task for you with arthritis, consult your carrier about the issue and request assistance through airport transportation while booking your flight. Riding to the gate from the airport curb can make your airport experience with arthritis less stressful and more comfortable.
Discuss Arthritis With TSA Agents Before Screening:
No airport screening exemption exists for anyone, regardless of their condition. Nevertheless, discussing and informing about your arthritis to the TSA agent in charge at the security checkpoint will allow you to manage your arthritis discreetly and with the help of security officers.
The difficulty that arises from removing shoes or complying with the standard of the screening procedure can be made less of a hassle for you. Even if you carry a TSA notification card or a doctor’s note, share that crucial information with the agent.
Contemplate Pre-boarding:
Arthritis can often make it taxing for travelers to wait in the long queue while boarding; therefore, contemplate pre-boarding.
Airlines are likely to offer pre-boarding to passengers who are disabled; if presented with this option, you must avail! The airline will not announce this option, but you must inquire about it.
To pre-board, you can talk to the agent standing at the gate, and if they agree, they will let you stay close to the gate so as soon as boarding begins, you can get on the plane and not get lost and forgotten in the bustling crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):
Does arthritis show up on airport scans?
No arthritis is ever likely to show up on an airport scan.
Through the scan, can arthritis be diagnosed?
Arthritis cannot be diagnosed as the only thing visible on an airport scan is a highlighted area, which could result from any other illness than arthritis.
If an unusual body scan shows up, will it cause difficulty for me?
Unusual body scans will not cause such difficulty for you, but you are likely being investigated by the officer about the highlighted areas on the scan.
What do airport scanners usually detect?
Airport scanners usually detect metal objects or objects prohibited on a flight.
