How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?
We described the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in Chapter I. but merely having these signs and symptoms doesn't mean you have rheumatoid arthritis. You'll need to see a doctor for a true diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
How can 1 be tested for rheumatoid arthritis?
Blood tests can be used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Blood often shows mild anemia, low red blood count) and Increased platelet count (platelets are necessary to help the blood clot). These symptoms are a result of the body's reaction to inflammation. The blood rheumatoid factor (an antibody that is not usually present in a normal individual) is often elevated. About half of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis show a positive rheumatoid factor. About 80% of patients who have had rheumatoid arthritis for a number of years will have a positive rheumatoid factor:The rheumatoid factor can be a bit misleading. though. Some patients who do have rheumatoid arthritis do not have a positive rheumatoid factor. However, many other conditions can cause an elevated rheumatoid factor, so having or not having rheumatoid factor does not confirm the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
A relatively new test (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) may indicate rheumatoid arthritis. It can be detected in patients even before the rheumatoid factor becomes positive.
Ultimately. the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis Is made based on a combination of clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory studies. and x-rays. Because of the Importance of property diagnosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis. as well as the fact that there are many other types of inflammation arthritis that can look like rheumatoid arthritis, evaluation by a specially trained physician is important.
diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis
• Blood tests often show mild anemia and increased platelet count
• Blood rheumatoid factor is usually (but not always) elevated
• Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide test can detect rheumatoid arthritis even before the blood rheumatoid factor becomes positive
When should I see a doctor?
You should see your doctor as soon as you have joint pain that seems out of the ordinary. With rheumatoid arthritis, II is important to make a correct diagnosis and begin treatment. Getting treatment early can help prevent joint damage.
What kinds of doctors treat rheumatoid arthritis?
The doctor best trained to diagnose and treat rheumatoid arthritis Is a rheumatologist —a specialist in rheumatology. Rheumatology is the study of conditions with pain and other symptoms related to the musculoskeletal (bone and muscle) system. The rheumatologist and possibly a rheumatology nurse will work with your primary care doctor to diagnose and manage the disease.
Will I have to see other kinds of health are providers?
Maybe. You might need the care and services of other health care specialists such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers. nutritional experts and orthopedists (bone surgeons).
We described the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in Chapter I. but merely having these signs and symptoms doesn't mean you have rheumatoid arthritis. You'll need to see a doctor for a true diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
How can 1 be tested for rheumatoid arthritis?
Blood tests can be used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Blood often shows mild anemia, low red blood count) and Increased platelet count (platelets are necessary to help the blood clot). These symptoms are a result of the body's reaction to inflammation. The blood rheumatoid factor (an antibody that is not usually present in a normal individual) is often elevated. About half of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis show a positive rheumatoid factor. About 80% of patients who have had rheumatoid arthritis for a number of years will have a positive rheumatoid factor:The rheumatoid factor can be a bit misleading. though. Some patients who do have rheumatoid arthritis do not have a positive rheumatoid factor. However, many other conditions can cause an elevated rheumatoid factor, so having or not having rheumatoid factor does not confirm the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
A relatively new test (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) may indicate rheumatoid arthritis. It can be detected in patients even before the rheumatoid factor becomes positive.
Ultimately. the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis Is made based on a combination of clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory studies. and x-rays. Because of the Importance of property diagnosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis. as well as the fact that there are many other types of inflammation arthritis that can look like rheumatoid arthritis, evaluation by a specially trained physician is important.
diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis
• Blood tests often show mild anemia and increased platelet count
• Blood rheumatoid factor is usually (but not always) elevated
• Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide test can detect rheumatoid arthritis even before the blood rheumatoid factor becomes positive
When should I see a doctor?
You should see your doctor as soon as you have joint pain that seems out of the ordinary. With rheumatoid arthritis, II is important to make a correct diagnosis and begin treatment. Getting treatment early can help prevent joint damage.
What kinds of doctors treat rheumatoid arthritis?
The doctor best trained to diagnose and treat rheumatoid arthritis Is a rheumatologist —a specialist in rheumatology. Rheumatology is the study of conditions with pain and other symptoms related to the musculoskeletal (bone and muscle) system. The rheumatologist and possibly a rheumatology nurse will work with your primary care doctor to diagnose and manage the disease.
Will I have to see other kinds of health are providers?
Maybe. You might need the care and services of other health care specialists such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers. nutritional experts and orthopedists (bone surgeons).
