Rheumatoid arthritis falls into the category of autoimmune disorders. It occurs when the body's own immune system begins to attack various joints, causing pain, inflammation and damage. There is no rheumatoid arthritis cure at this time, but quick treatment after an early rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is helpful in effectively managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. This article will offer information about how a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is made, including the various tests used in the process.

Recognizing Symptoms

The first step in making a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is recognizing the symptoms of this disease. Common symptoms include pain and swelling in joints, such as the fingers wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and feet. Patients may also experience joints that are red and painful to the touch. Hard lumps under the skin, known as arthritis nodules will often appear around the joints, on the hands and elbows. Some patients also complain of severe fatigue, a low-grade fever and a general feeling of malaise. The sooner symptoms are recognized, the earlier a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis can be made and treatment begun.

Blood Tests

Doctors will often begin the process of a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis with a medical history and a physical examination of joints to detect pain, inflammation and swelling. The physical exam is often followed up by a series of blood tests. These tests will look for inflammation in the body and the presence of specific antibodies that are common in people with rheumatoid arthritis. If a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is made, the doctor may then order x-rays to determine how much joint damage has already been done by the disease. This can also be evaluated through the analysis of joint fluid samples. These tests may be repeated periodically to track the progression of the disease and determine if modifications need to be made to the patient's treatment plan.

Making an accurate rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is not always easy. Sometimes the blood tests do not offer definitive answers. Joint pain and damage from rheumatoid arthritis can mimic other types of arthritic conditions, even though the treatment of various conditions may be quite different. It is very important for a doctor and patient to work together to come to an accurate rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is made, further testing may be necessary to determine what treatment plan will be best for that particular patient. It may take some time and patience to get a decisive rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and treatment plan.