How does my doctor know I have RA?How does my doctor know I have RA?

My doctor thinks I might have rheumatoid arthritis, and she wants me to see a rheumatologist. How will this doctor test me to know if that's what I have?

Answers from our Doctors

fwolfe's picture
Dr. Frederick Wolfe says:

Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and also do some tests to decide if you have RA. With that knowledge, there are some guidelines commonly used.

These criteria were developed by the American College of Rheumatology in 1988 and are still used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Of these seven criteria, four are needed for a diagnosis. Criteria 1 through 4 must have been present for at least 6 weeks.

1. Morning stiffness lasting at least 1 hour before major improvement

2. Arthritis in three or more of the following joint areas on either side of the body: middle joint of the fingers, the knuckles (the largest joint that connects each finger to the rest of the hand), wrist, elbow, knee, ankle, or the joint between the toes and the foot (the joint at the base of the toe, closest to the foot)

3. Arthritis in the hand joints: specifically in the wrist, the knuckles, or the middle joint of the fingers

4. Joint swelling of the same joint on both sides of the body (symmetrical) or joint swelling on both sides of the body (but not necessarily the same joint) affecting the middle joint of the fingers, the knuckles, and/or the joint between the toes and the foot

5. Bumps (nodules) that develop under the skin over pressure points or areas where bones protrude.

6. Positive RF (rheumatoid factor) test

7. X-ray changes that show decalcified (more porous) bone or uneven patches of bone erosion (osteoporosis) around only the joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Thinning bones throughout the body (osteoporosis) unrelated to rheumatoid joints do not qualify.

Answered on: Thursday, February 11, 2010 - 23:18

Comments

Commenting: Guest
09/20/2019 - 17:37

If you are seeking the deepest and most relaxing body highs from our range and an assortment of Indica strain buds or you want the high energy and mentally uplifting Sativa’s or the specialty hybrid strains that are known as the highest grade in this State, you have found the best website. We have real weed for sale from our website directly from your home on your computer, handheld device or tablet - mail order weed online.

Commenting: Guest
09/20/2019 - 17:44

We have an extensive base of satisfied clients who would vouch for the quality of weed sold here. This is one of the reasons we are known among the fastest growing online weed websites to buy from in the USA. We have more than 300+ types of weed strains sold here which are cultivated by licensed producers - 420 mail order.

Commenting: Guest
09/21/2019 - 18:47

You can have medical grade cannabis delivered straight to your doorsteps in a matter of days. Don’t worry about the packaging or anyone finding out. We use the most secure processes and use discretion to keep your orders anonymously mailed and packaged so you will never have to worry about what your neighbors will think - 420 mail order.

Commenting: Guest
09/21/2019 - 18:51

Henceforth you should stop wondering where to buy weed without marijuana card as it’s never been easy to have your medical cannabis mail straight to your doorsteps like the way we do - buy real marijuana online.

Commenting: Guest
09/22/2019 - 16:59

As a leading 420 Mail Order Marijuana Dispensary, we are committed to excellence and only hire and train the most qualified and knowledgeable staff to help supply the best quality weed at very affordable prices and Mail Order 420 or 420 mail order worldwide - mail Order 420.

Commenting: Guest
09/22/2019 - 17:09

Order Marijuana online There are a lot of stores available in the market where you can order marijuana online or buy weed online in USA, but the challenging task is to verify whether the products they are delivering are genuine and of good quality or not. Here at SkyMall Dispensary, we guarantee you to provide superior quality weed with a maximum level of satisfaction - online dispensary shipping worldwide.

Commenting: Guest
09/28/2019 - 06:48

Now we bring security and safety to mail order marijuana or buy weed online usa. As such, we take every precaution and are extremely proactive in securing our servers, databases, and website(s). We ensure a 128-bit encrypted connection, confidential membership systems, reliable delivery, and quality products - online weed store usa.

Commenting: Guest
09/28/2019 - 19:29

Register interest with the Enquire Here form provided, someone will contact you shortly - pet wholesale products .

Commenting: Guest
09/30/2019 - 17:31

It has never been too early to discuss the upcoming fantastic event called ATP Finals. Although Atp finals 2019 is still two months away, you have all the rights to reserve your option now so that when it kicks off, you will have the right TV channel to tune into - atp finals 2019 live score.

Commenting: Guest
10/04/2019 - 18:47

Gebruik ons bestelformulier om makkelijk, snel en zonder fout je taxi te bestellen. Telefoneren is niet nodig! Je ontvangt ook steeds een bevestiging en een kopie van je bestelling per mail - taxi antwerpen

Add comment