Symptoms
When RA begins, symptoms may include:
-
Joint pain and stiffness that is:
- Symmetrical
- Most prominent in the morning
- Lasts for at least half an hour
- Red, warm, or swollen joints
- Joint deformity
- Mild fever, tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Small lumps or nodules under the skin
As RA progresses, it may cause complications with the:
- Heart
- Lungs
- Eyes
- Skin
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Blood
- Nervous system
- Blood vessels
It is also linked to early cardiovascular disease and death.
Diagnosis
There is no single test for RA. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. She will examine your joints, skin, reflexes, and muscle strength.
Tests:
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) level in the blood
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of the blood—to measure inflammation in the body
- C-reactive protein (CRP) —an indicator of active inflammation in the blood
- White blood cell count
- X-rays of affected joints (especially dual energy x-ray absorptiometry )—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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