Rheumatoid Arthritis

Diagnosis

When rheumatoid arthritis (RA) first begins, symptoms may include:

• joint pain and stiffness that is:

   symmetrical
   most prominent in the morning
   lasts for at least half an hour

• red, warm, or swollen joints
• joint deformity
• mild fever, tiredness
• small lumps or nodules under the skin

As RA progresses, it may cause complications with the:

• heart
• lungs
• eyes
• skin
• liver
• kidneys
• blood
• nervous system

There is no single test for RA. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Physical exams will include an examination of your joints, skin, reflexes, and muscle strength. Tests may include:

• rheumatoid factor (RF)
• erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• C-reactive protein (CRP) — an indicator of active inflammation
• white blood cell count
• x-rays of affected joints (especially dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry)