Rheumatoid arthritis diagnostic tests

Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

Updated on September 08, 2024

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The diagnostic tests for rheumatoid arthritis include blood tests and X-ray examinations. Blood tests include a complete blood count, inflammatory markers, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and screening for various antibodies such as rheumatoid factor, anti-O, anti-CCP antibodies, and anti-AKA antibodies. Additionally, if there is significant pain in the hand joints, an X-ray of the hand joints can be taken. The X-ray can show whether there is any destruction of bone, osteoporosis, or other manifestations of rheumatoid disease. Based on these tests, it is generally possible to diagnose the specific type of rheumatoid disease.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

1min

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How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis primarily relies on blood tests, radiological examinations, and the patient's own symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis is often referred to as internal rheumatoid arthritis. For a definitive diagnosis: Firstly, the patient must exhibit symmetrical swelling and pain in the joints of both hands, including the small joints. Further screening through blood tests shows elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein, which are two inflammatory markers. Additionally, the presence of rheumatoid factors, anti-CCP antibodies, and AKA antibodies being positive also play a role. Simultaneously, if radiological imaging suggests joint space narrowing and bone damage, this further supports the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

57sec

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How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

Rheumatoid arthritis, also commonly referred to as internal rheumatoid arthritis, primarily has three major categories of treatment. The first category is anti-inflammatory and pain relief. The medications for anti-inflammatory pain relief include two types: the first type is non-steroidal pain relievers; for patients with very severe pain, a low dose of corticosteroids can be considered. The second category, which is also the most important treatment, involves the use of immunosuppressants. These immunosuppressants include drugs such as methotrexate and leflunomide. If the patient does not respond well to anti-inflammatory pain relief and immunosuppressants, treatment with biologics can also be considered.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin

Orthopedics

1min 6sec

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The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have distinct differences. Osteoarthritis commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly women and is caused by the wear, degeneration, and rupture of joint cartilage, leading to swelling and pain due to friction during joint movement. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by bacterial infections leading to the proliferation of synovium in the joints, causing swelling and pain. Over time, this condition can damage the joint's cartilage and meniscus, severely affecting joint mobility. The treatments for these two diseases are different. Osteoarthritis can be alleviated through rest, oral medication, and physical therapy to ease local pain. If these methods are ineffective after more than six months, surgical treatment may be necessary, mainly total knee replacement. However, the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis primarily relies on medication to relieve local pain by removing rheumatism. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Li Ning

Rheumatology

1min 8sec

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Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by what?

Rheumatic arthritis is a type of infectious arthritis caused by streptococcal infection and is one of the clinical manifestations of rheumatism. It primarily presents as migratory pain in large joints, most commonly affecting the large joints of the lower limbs, such as the knees, ankles, wrists, etc. Since rheumatic arthritis is related to streptococcal infection, treatment mainly involves the use of penicillin drugs, commonly long-acting penicillin, which requires strict adherence to the treatment course to completely cure the streptococcal infection. During the acute phase, joint pain often occurs, hence the common use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac sodium and etoricoxib, to alleviate symptoms of pain. During acute episodes, bed rest is necessary, with attention to joint immobilization. During the remission period, getting out of bed and exercising is encouraged to restore joint function and flexibility. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician; do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

59sec

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The difference between rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatic arthritis is a reactive joint pain that occurs after a streptococcal infection. In addition to joint pain, common symptoms include mitral valve stenosis in some patients, skin erythema, and some patients may also exhibit symptoms such as chorea. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often show symmetrical swelling and pain in the joints of both hands. Blood tests reveal significantly elevated levels of rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, and AK antibodies. Inflammatory indicators such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein also tend to be significantly elevated. The main difference between rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that rheumatic arthritis can involve cardiac and skin pathologies, while rheumatoid arthritis primarily manifests as joint-related pathologies.