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Rheumatoid Arthiritis Diagnosis and Symptoms

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthiritis

If someone has seen the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, call the doctor immediately. A physical examination and laboratory tests will be performed by the doctor to diagnose the disease. In some cases, X- rays or blood test may require by the health care provider to determine the signs and symptoms of the disease. Patients should go to a Rheumatologist for diagnose the diseases. There are various tests available for diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, such as

Rheumatoid factor test.

Synovial fluid analysis.

X-rays of joints.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is elevated.

CBC can show abnormal platelet counts or low hematocrit.

Blood tests

Blood test is used to measure the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It can help to indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. People, who are affected by rheumatoid arthritis, tend to have elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Rheumatoid factor will be looked by another blood test. In some cases, it may possible to not have the rheumatoid arthritis and have in the blood.

Imaging

X-ray will be taken by the doctor to differentiate between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A series of X-rays can help to show the progress of arthritis.

SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Swelling and pain in the joints, especially in the joints of feet and hands.

Excessive fatigue

Skin redness of inflammation

Loss of motion of the affected joints

Low-grade fever

paleness

Malaise

Eye itching, burning or discharge

Stiffness or aching of the muscles and joints, especially after periods of rest or sleep.

Tingling or numbness

Swollen glands

Loss of strength in muscles, which are attached to the affected joints.

Deformity of the joints.

Loss of appetite

Anemia.

Inflammation of the lungs.

This disease causes several problems in various joints. It is most affected the joints in hands, knees, wrists and feet. Sometimes, elbows, jaw, shoulders, neck and hips can become involved in the progress of the disease.

Rheumatoid nodules (small lumps) may develop under the skin at pressure points. It can occur at the hands, Achilles tendons, elbows and feet. These nodules can find in size from small to large. These are not harmful.

Rheumatoid arthritis tends to vary in severity and may come and go. Periods of increased disease activity with periods of relative remission, during problems in sleeping, weakness fade swelling or pain.