Ask A Doctor: How Can You Tell If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis image

Expert opinion from Marcelle Freire

Doctor of Medicine · 3 years of experience · Brazil

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic and progressive inflammation of the joints. The joints of the hands, feet, wrists, cervical (atlantoaxial), elbows and jaws are usually the most affected, usually sparing the thoracic and lumbar spine. Rheumatoid arthritis pain is characterized by joint pain and stiffness in the morning, which initially usually improves with movement. As it is an inflammatory, chronic and progressive disease, it can affect systems other than the joints, thus having some variation in the clinical presentations of patients. Its definitive diagnosis is made through the suggestive symptomatology of the patient associated with laboratory markers compatible with this disease (among which we highlight the increase in CRP, ESR and positivity for autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated citrulline peptide).

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Expert opinion from Ilya Aleksandrovskiy

M.D., MBA · 5 years of experience · USA

One could identify Rheumatoid arthritis by recognizing its symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of RA are: (1) Tenderness and stiffness of joints, (2) Loss of appetite, (3) fever, (4) Swelling in larger finger joints is most common, (5) Tingling & numbness in hands and feet, (6) the symptoms are more visible in morning and night; more pain in joints in morning due to no movement in night resting time. If any of the above symptoms are there, one could self-identify the medical condition and contact a doctor.

Expert opinion from Animesh Hore

MBBS · 4 years of experience · India

Rheumatoid arthritis mainly affect finger joints like PIP and DIP Joints. There can be generalized fatigue along with morning stiffness and joint stiffness. Pain and swelling of joints can point towards to RA. Fever is a common finding along with numbness and tingling sensation.

→ Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.