Rheumatoid arthritisis an autoimmune disease.
That means the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues lining the joint, causing inflammation and pain.
They will also determine if your symptoms could be from other causes of joint pain like osteoarthritis.
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In addition to evaluating your physical symptoms, your healthcare provider will review your family history.
The higher the number, the more likely you are to have the condition.
Your healthcare provider may order other tests to gauge your disease progression, as well.
Get our printable guide for your next appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Progression
The strongest indicator of progressive joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be seropositivity.
That said, seronegativity doesn’t preclude progressive joint damage.
To this end, the ACR has established what is called the DAS28.
This is especially likely if your RA test results are either inconclusive or negative.
Your provider will also run lab tests that pick up RA biomarkers and signs of inflammation.
They may also do various tests to rule out other health conditions.
Diagnostic imaging is the final step.
Your healthcare provider may take X-rays.
However, MRI and ultrasound images uniquely help diagnose RA.
They can show the earliest signs of RA and the severity of joint damage.
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