Diagnosing RA
Rheumatoid arthritis may be difficult to diagnose. Many other
conditions can resemble it and its symptoms can develop insidiously. Blood tests and
x-rays may show normal results for months after the onset of joint pain.
According to the American College of Rheumatology, 4 of the following 7 symptoms indicate
a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis:
1. Morning stiffness, lasting for at least an hour, present daily for at least 6 weeks
2. Arthritis of 3 or more joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks
3. Arthritis of the hand joints, lasting for at least 6 weeks
4. Symmetric arthritis, lasting for at least 6 weeks
5. Rheumatoid nodules
6.
7. Joint changes on
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