Arthritis Arthritis Basics

Pinpointing and Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Other inflammatory conditions, including polymyalgia rheumatica and ankylosing spondylitis, can also be accompanied by stiffness. But unlike rheumatoid arthritis, the stiffness is usually relieved by rest and is typically worse after activity or in the afternoon.

Sometimes it is the presence of swelling and inflammation in particular joints that differentiates rheumatoid arthritis from other diseases. For example, osteoarthritis, one of the most common forms of arthritis, usually spares the wrist and what are known as the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, such as the knuckles. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is more likely to occur in these joints.

Doctors distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from rheumatic fever because the latter is more likely to be migratory in nature. That simply means the arthritic pain moves from one joint to another.

Gout is frequently confused with rheumatoid arthritis, and it is common for the lumps associated with it to be mistaken for rheumatoid nodules. However, gout usually affects a single joint and can be diagnosed with a test that determines whether crystals are present in the joint fluid.

Chronic Lyme disease also typically involves only one joint, most commonly the knee. It can be ruled out by the presence of a characteristic rash and blood tests.

Arthritis due to bacterial infection, also known as pyogenic arthritis, can be ruled out because it is distinguished by the presence of chills, fever and a test that identifies a specific organism in the joint fluid that causes the infection.

Making a Diagnosis
Because so many diseases are similar, it is important to seek care from a physician who is equipped to make the right diagnosis. That ensures patients avoid unnecessary testing, drug therapy and costs. It also speeds up the process of starting effective treatment, which can stop or slow the progression of long term joint damage.

Since there is no definitive test to positively pinpoint rheumatoid arthritis, the process of diagnosing the disease involves several steps. They include a complete medical history, a comprehensive review of the symptoms, a physical examination, during which physicians look for signs characteristic of the disease, lab tests and X-rays.

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