Final answer:
An MRI is recommended to rule out serious causes of joint pain as it provides high-resolution images of the soft tissues and can identify early degenerative changes in joint cartilage without radiation exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
To rule out a serious cause of joint pain, a recommended procedure might be an MRI. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides high-resolution images of the soft tissues, which includes cartilage and other joint structures, without exposing the patient to radiation. It is particularly useful for identifying early degenerative changes in joint cartilage and other soft tissue disturbances that might not be visible on regular X-rays. This makes MRI an excellent noninvasive tool for diagnosing conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and differentiating it from other causes of joint pain.