Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that is commonly found in people with advanced ages. In spite of this, the condition is also prevalent in certain genes which mean that it is common in some families more than others. People who suspect that they may have rheumatoid arthritis usually go to specialists and medical doctors to get a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. It is important to initially have a confirmed rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis before taking steps to treat the condition.

Factors That Point To Rheumatoid Arthritis

Doctors actually have a set of criteria that they usually base their findings for a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. These criteria are a set of factors that are associated to a very strong degree with the condition. Among these factors are a set of symptoms which are prevalent in people with the condition. These factors are used to differentiate the condition from other arthritis conditions such as osteoarthritis and others.

Stiffness is a common symptom which usually points to the right rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. The stiffness usually occurs for about an hour after the individual wakes up in the morning or after a long nap. The symptoms may also occur after a long time of inactivity. Another factor that points to a positive rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is swelling in a common area which is around the hands. The area around the hands is a very common area where swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs.

Yet another basis for a positive rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is the occurrence of inflammation in at least three joints at the same time. This is one of the more positive signs that a person has rheumatoid arthritis. In many cases, the swelling may occur in the joints on opposite sides of the body, for example the left and right wrists. This is due to the fact that symmetric arthritis is a common occurrence for rheumatoid arthritis. A blood test is another way of getting the rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis right. There are individuals who manifest a high reading of rheumatoid factor in their blood which point to having the condition.

A physical manifestation of the condition is the presence of rheumatoid nodules which commonly occur in the elbows. These bumps are sure signs of the condition and often present themselves in pressure points of the body. The doctor will usually have the right rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis once he or she sees these rheumatoid nodules in an individual. Another physical sign of the disease is the presence of abnormalities or damages in the joints and bones when x-rays are taken, especially in the hands, fingers and wrists.