Rheumatoid Arthritis: How Does Your Doctor Diagnose It?

RA is a problem with yourimmune system. If you don’t diagnose and treat it in time, it could harm your joints. Most people with RA do have some sort ofjoint damage. Most of it happens in the first 2 years.Your regular doctor may orderbloodtests and X-rays to help confirm a diagnosis. Or you may be sent to someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating RA. This type of doctor is called arheumatologist.First Symptoms of RASometimes, RA can be tough to figure out. Symptoms may come and go, and they aren’t the same in all people who have it. But doctors look for specific things:Joint pain/swelling/stiffness, especially in small joints like your wrists, hands, orfeetDiscomfort for at least 6 weeksMorning stiffness that lasts at least 30 minutesFatigueLoss of appetiteThere isn’t a single test that gives doctors a clear answer. And in the early stages, RA can resemble other diseases like:LupusSjogren’s syndromePsoriatic arthritisLymearthritisOsteoarthritisThat’s why your doctor will rely...