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 Liu Li Ning

Rheumatology

1min 1sec

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Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured through exercise?

Rheumatoid arthritis can be somewhat alleviated by exercise in terms of disease recovery. Rheumatoid arthritis primarily manifests as migratory swelling and pain in the major joints throughout the body. The onset of the disease is somewhat associated with streptococcal infections. In recent years, due to the widespread use of penicillin, rheumatoid arthritis has become very rare in clinical settings. Since the onset of rheumatoid arthritis is related to infections, long-acting penicillin is generally used for treatment if there is no accompanying carditis. Joint pain can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as etoricoxib or sustained-release capsules of diclofenac sodium; if carditis is present, corticosteroids can be used. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can engage in gentle aerobic exercises like swimming, yoga, jogging, Tai Chi, etc.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

48sec

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Foods to Avoid with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should adhere to a light diet and avoid spicy foods, overly nourishing and greasy foods. Specifically, the following foods should be avoided: vegetables such as celery, coriander, shiitake mushrooms, leeks, and seaweed. In terms of meat, one should reduce consumption of warming foods like lamb, beef, and dog meat. Also, it is advisable to limit intake of high-protein seafood such as shrimp, crab, and sea cucumber. Regarding fish, preference should be given to freshwater fish, while the consumption of sea fish should be minimized. These are the foods that should be avoided by those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

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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 Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

59sec

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How to cure rheumatoid arthritis?

The treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis mainly consist of three major categories. The first category is the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, commonly including non-steroidal analgesics such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets, and small doses of corticosteroids can also be used. For rheumatoid arthritis, the most important treatment is the choice of immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate and leflunomide. After using these medications, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood routine tests and liver and kidney functions to check for possible side effects of the drugs. If the effects of the above oral medications are not satisfactory, the application of biologics can also be considered. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, do not self-medicate.)

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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.