Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnostic Criteria

Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

Updated on September 17, 2024

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The diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis include the following aspects: The first is symmetrical joint pain, primarily characterized by tenderness and swelling in the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and both wrists. Secondly, it also includes abnormalities in inflammation markers, which comprise erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), along with abnormalities in certain antibodies, mainly rheumatoid factor, CCP antibodies, and AKA antibodies. If the above symptoms are present, and these inflammation markers and antibodies are found to be abnormal upon blood testing, a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be made.

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Written by Li Jing

Rheumatology

50sec

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Does rheumatoid arthritis hurt?

Rheumatoid arthritis damages joints and bones, displaying as symmetrical polyarthritis. It is an autoimmune disease and a chronic condition that cannot be cured but can only be managed through medication to control disease progression. The primary symptoms include symmetrical pain and swelling in multiple joints, particularly in both wrists, therefore it is invariably associated with pain. Some individuals may also experience joint swelling accompanied by morning stiffness, fatigue, low fever, and weight loss. The onset of the disease is generally slow, although a few cases may have a sudden onset. It can also affect specific joints, such as the cervical spine, shoulder joints, and hip joints.

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Written by Cheng Bin

Orthopedics

41sec

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Is joint pain rheumatoid arthritis?

Firstly, it should be noted that there are many causes of joint pain in clinical practice, and it is not necessarily caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Of course, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause joint pain in patients. In addition, there are some other reasons, for example, local joint bacterial infection in patients can also cause joint pain. Furthermore, joint injuries leading to fractures, dislocations, soft tissue damage, ligament injuries, and meniscus injuries can also cause joint pain. Additionally, the presence of osteoarthritis or gouty arthritis can similarly lead to joint pain in patients.

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Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

1min 49sec

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How to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis-induced joint pain has several distinct characteristics: The first is that it initially affects the small joints of the limbs, typically involving the hands, feet, wrists, and ankles, before spreading to larger joints. It rarely starts in the large joints first. Secondly, the onset is generally symmetrical, meaning it seldom affects just a single limb or joint. Typically, if the disease manifests, it affects both limbs simultaneously. Another characteristic is significant morning stiffness, meaning a feeling of stiffness upon waking up in the morning. Generally, by combining auxiliary tests such as blood tests and imaging, a clear diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be made. Once diagnosed, it is advised that patients seek treatment at a reputable hospital in the rheumatology and immunology department or orthopedics, targeting specific treatments and avoiding unlicensed practitioners. Common rheumatoid arthritis treatment plans start with medications to alleviate symptoms, using immunosuppressants. In severe cases, a small, short-term dose of steroids may be used. Additionally, symptomatic treatment may include topical applications of ointments to improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain. Patients can also take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs orally to relieve symptoms. Furthermore, traditional Chinese medicine is also a very effective method, and patients can take specific herbal medicines as symptomatic treatment for rheumatic joint pain, which are also very effective. (Please follow a professional physician's guidance when using medications and do not medicate blindly.)

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Written by Li Jing

Rheumatology

1min 10sec

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Does rheumatoid arthritis cause fever?

Rheumatoid arthritis is categorized as an autoimmune disease, primarily characterized by swelling and pain in multiple joints, particularly in the wrists or ankles. It also causes morning stiffness, and may be accompanied by fatigue, low fever, muscle soreness, and even weight loss. The onset of the disease is generally gradual for most people, and symptoms can vary significantly from one individual to another. A minority of patients may experience a rapid onset of symptoms, developing joint problems within days or weeks. Therefore, during the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, patients may experience a mild or moderate fever. However, it is important to differentiate whether this fever is due to an infection or the activity of the disease itself. This can be determined through regular blood tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, and related symptoms.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

45sec

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How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

Rheumatoid arthritis examinations include blood tests and imaging studies. The blood tests include complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein, anti-streptococcal antibodies, ANA, anti-CCP antibodies, and anti-AKA antibodies. Imaging studies involve X-ray examinations of the hand joints. If the patient has significant increases in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, positive CCP and AKA antibodies, and the X-rays show bone destruction, then rheumatoid arthritis can be considered as a diagnosis.