The Rheumatoid Arthritis Guide: Week 1 - Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis

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The Rheumatoid Arthritis Guide: Week 1 - Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis

| Recognizing The Symptoms | Formulating The Diagnosis

from Carol Eustice, your Editor and GuideExaminations and tests, along with a patient's clinical picture, help to formulate an accurate diagnosis regarding arthritis.

Recognizing The Symptoms

How to recognize the signs of arthritis

Because there are over 100 different types of arthritis, symptoms of the disease can be variable, but there are certain signs which point to the disease.

Inflammation: The Battle Within

Inflammation is a natural defense of the body to protect against foreign substances or injury, but it can cause problems in certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What Is A Rheumatoid Nodule?

As part of the rheumatoid process, firm, non-tender, subcutaneous nodules develop in about 25% of rheumatoid arthritis patients. See what they look like.

Handout on Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis

A publication about rheumatoid arthritis from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Formulating The Diagnosis

What is Rheumatoid Factor?

An explanation of the significance of rheumatoid factor. What is it and how is it used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?

What Is CRP?

As a blood test, CRP is not specific. A high result serves as a general indication of acute inflammation. Doctors can utilize the CRP test to assess the effectiveness of a specific arthritis treatment and monitor periods of disease flareup.

Blood Tests For Evaluating Arthritis

When used in conjunction with the patient's clinical picture and history, lab tests help confirm the diagnosis of a disease and track disease activity.

More On Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Articles and resources about diagnosing arthritis.

Carol Eustice, About Guide to Arthritis

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Missing Lesson: http://arthritis.about.com/c/ec/1lost.htm

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