For Your Patients: How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?

You have been referred to a rheumatologist because of the possibility that you have rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by stiffness, swelling, pain, redness, and warmth in the joints. First, though, there are several other types of arthritis that will need to be ruled out, because treatments differ.

What can you expect during the diagnostic evaluation?

Which Joints, and How Long Have You Had Symptoms?

The physician will ask you about which joints are bothering you, and how long the symptoms have been present. The time of day when the symptoms are worse, such as in the early morning, can be important.

Other concerns include what medications you are taking, whether an affected joint has been injured in the past, or if your job requires long periods of standing or frequent knee bending.

Family Members With Related Diseases?

The doctor will also ask you if any family members have been diagnosed with other autoimmune or chronic diseases.

Physical Exam

The physical examination will focus on the appearance of the joints, particularly of the hands and feet, and look for tenderness and swelling in and around these joints.

Depending on the findings of the physical examination and medical history, the doctor may order imaging tests such as x-rays or ultrasound, and blood tests looking for markers of inflammation and autoimmunity that often are present in patients with RA.

Outlook Positive

In the past, RA was a frightening diagnosis, with many patients becoming quite disabled. However, recent advances in treatment have led to much better disease control and outcomes, and patients being able to participate fully in work, family life, and recreation.

Your rheumatologist will discuss with you the many medical options now available, and work with you to maintain your health and well-being, which includes taking medications as prescribed and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, especially avoiding smoking.

Read Part 1 of this series: What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

MedPage Today's "Medical Journeys" is a set of clinical resources reviewed by doctors, meant for physicians and other healthcare professionals as well as the patients they serve. Each episode of this 12-part journey through a disease state contains both a physician guide and a downloadable/printable patient resource. "Medical Journeys" chart a path each step of the way for physicians and patients and provide continual resources and support, as the caregiver team navigates the course of a disease.