Question
Sometimes when I wake (only in the A.M.) my middle nuckles of my fingers feel tight/pain when I tighten my hand.  Is this fluid? or What?  It really only happens a few times, has just started over that past month.  Could this be arthritis?

Answer
Dear Traci,   THis is probably NOT fluid, but could be the first signs of arthritis inflmmation...

The only way to diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis is to have a blood tests called the Rheumatoid Factor and if positive, then you definately have RA...  If negative, there is still a slight chance you could have RA....  X-rays will also help with a diagnosis....

As for osteoarthritis, ONLY an MRI will tell for sure....

Thank you,   karen