Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms & Diagnosis

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 © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.