Symptoms & Diagnoses of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that causes damage and great pain in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the synovium or lining of the joints that can eventually lead to deformity of the joints. In its early stages, it is not uncommon for signs of rheumatoid arthritis to come and go.

Small Joints First

According to the Mayo Clinic, rheumatoid arthritis may cause problems in several joints at the same time and it tends to affect smaller joints first. Smaller joints as the hands, feet and wrists.

Pain and Swelling

Pain and swelling of the joints are two primary symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Joints will also be stiff immediately after getting out of bed and may also be sensitive or tender.

Blood Tests

Blood tests often reveal rheumatoid arthritis. If an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate is revealed this is a sign of rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests may also reveal certain antibodies which, if present, can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.

Joint Fluids

Rheumatoid arthritis can also be found by removing fluids from joints. When this fluid is removed with a needle it can then be tested for rheumatoid arthritis or other diseases.

X-Rays

X-rays may also be taken to see the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays show the swelling of the bones in joints and can be used to track the progression of the disease.