As with most diseases, the earlier that rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed, the more successful the treatment and the better control of the progression of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent irreversible joint damage and possible disability and can ensure that your life remains active.  

If you have persistent discomfort and swelling in multiple joints on both sides your doctor is likely to:

• record your medical history and conduct a physical examination
• request a blood test to measure your erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR) rate.  This will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in your body. People with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have abnormally high ESR rates
• request a blood test that looks for a protein called Rheumatoid Factor (RF) - many people with the disease have this protein - but its absence does not exclude the condition.  In fact, you can have this factor and not have the disease and vice versa
• take x-rays of the joint in question.  These will help the doctor to determine the extent and severity of any damage so that he/she can develop a treatment protocol for you.  As the disease continues, an x-ray will show the development of pits and erosions in the joints.  In the long term, a clear sequence of x-rays over time indicates the rate of progression of the disease
• perform a joint aspiration.  The doctor will use a needle to remove a small sample of synovial fluid from the affected joint.

Diagnosis may be difficult, as there are other conditions with similar characteristics and there can be joint pain months before a clear indication can be detected using blood test and x-rays. 

As early diagnosis is crucial, it is important to listen to your body and monitor your symptoms so that a definite diagnosis can be made as soon as possible.

15/05/2009