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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues instead of protecting them as it normally should. It can cause inflammation and other symptoms throughout the body, affecting joint mobility and causing discomfort and pain for the patient. This article provides a brief overview of the condition, focusing on diagnostic methods and what to expect during exams and imaging appointments.
RA is a chronic disease that affects the immune system, leading to joint inflammation. In severe rheumatoid arthritis cases, it can impact joint functionality throughout the body and cause benign lumps called nodules, which can develop anywhere. RA can also potentially damage the joints in the fingers, making it difficult to use them. Additionally, RA may affect organs, like the lungs and heart, and even the skeletal system. Treatment is important to preserve as much function as possible, slow down progression of the disease and help the patient manage symptoms and mobility.
There are multiple common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Some may include:
The presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean rheumatoid arthritis. Many other conditions may have similar symptoms. It’s important to discuss any concerns with your doctor so that testing and next steps can be taken.
Part of the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is determining the current stage of the disease. Here is a brief overview of these stages:
It is helpful to remember that it can take years for RA patients to progress through these stages, and many are able to slow progression, preventing the later stages from being reached. Lastly, when caught early, treatment options may even lead to remission of the disease.
X-ray showing rheumatoid arthritis in the hands
Early rheumatoid arthritis may be harder to diagnose, as imaging tests like X-rays may not show clear signs of the disease until later stages. Generally, a multi-pronged approach is used for diagnosis, including a combination of the following methods.
A physical examination by a medical provider may include the following:
Blood tests are an important component of the diagnosis process, though it generally takes multiple diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out rheumatoid arthritis, as many other conditions may produce similar results. Here are some specifics that blood tests look for:
Ultrasounds are a scanning method that use high-frequency sound waves to capture internal images. A handheld device, called a transducer, produces these sound waves as it moves over the scanned area. The waves bounce off internal structures, echoing back to create images that can be captured on a screen and saved for evaluation.
In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, ultrasounds may show bone erosions, synovial changes, joint issues and other signs of the disease. It can also help differentiate RA from other musculoskeletal conditions that may mimic it, such as injuries and tendon issues.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important tool for diagnosing RA. It uses strong magnets and radio waves to align the protons in the body’s hydrogen atoms. The MRI machine then sends a pulse of energy that temporarily changes their alignment. As the protons return to their normal position, they release energy, which the MRI machine picks up to create detailed images of the inside of the body.
These images not only show bones and internal organs but also cartilage and soft tissues, making an MRI an ideal method for detecting early rheumatoid arthritis. This is because it can differentiate between tissue types and highlight areas like bone marrow, joint lining and other anatomy affected by early RA.
While X-rays used to be the gold standard for RA imaging, MRIs are generally more detailed for early diagnosis. However, X-rays are still used to track changes and progression of the disease over time. They are excellent at showing bone and joint details using low-dose radiation to create internal images.
X-rays are also typically less expensive than MRIs and don’t require patients to remain still in an enclosed machine for long periods, which some may find uncomfortable. X-rays can also help rule out other possible causes for RA symptoms, such as injuries or other underlying health conditions.
Turnaround times for imaging results can vary widely depending on the facility and your doctor’s availability. Often, patients wait a week or more and receive their results during a follow-up appointment. With PocketHealth, you don’t have to wait as long—your results are securely accessible as soon as the report is available, allowing you to review them often before your follow-up visit.
Your imaging results are interpreted by a radiologist—an expert in medical imaging—who carefully reviews your scans and provides a detailed report of any findings. This report is then sent to your referring doctor, who, with a deeper understanding of your medical history, can offer further insights and recommendations.
To better understand your imaging reports, Report Reader provides clear, straightforward definitions for medical terms. Simply tap or click on any underlined words to reveal their meaning. This is paired with illustrations and highlights of anatomy in your imaging to help you better understand your results and prepare for follow-up appointments.
Here are some common questions regarding rheumatoid arthritis.
The outlook for RA can vary greatly from patient to patient. Factors such as age of onset, disease stage, lifestyle choices and treatment history all play a role. Some patients may experience significant health issues from the disease, while others may only have mild symptoms and limitations and live a normal lifespan. It’s important to discuss your condition with your healthcare provider to get the most relevant information for your individual health.
While there is no known single cause for RA, there are several possible contributing risk factors, including:
There are a variety of methods for treating rheumatoid arthritis, including:
Due to the harmful substances found in cigarettes, smoking can cause increased inflammation and higher levels of the cytokine proteins that are partially responsible for the joint and organ damage that can happen with RA. Smoking can also reduce the efficacy of RA medications and may also cause rheumatoid arthritis to progress faster than it otherwise would.
Regardless of the stage or severity of the disease, receiving a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Consider exploring support groups and other helpful resources. Your doctor will likely have local resources and information available. In the meantime, here are some online organizations that may offer education and support:
PocketHealth makes it simple to keep track of your rheumatoid arthritis scans. All of your vital imaging is in one secure location and can be accessed online anytime. Reports can also be easily shared with other physicians in your care team, if needed. Additionally, it makes it easy to track health changes over time, such as with repeat imaging. When used in conjunction with your medical provider’s professional advice, it is a powerful tool for organizing and understanding your imaging results and your health.
PocketHealth MyCare Navigator gives personalized insights into your health and identifies any recommended follow-up steps. This feature can also generate individualized questions to ask your doctor based on the findings in your report, ensuring you make the most of your consultation. A rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis may feel overwhelming, but working closely with your providers can give you the best chance of managing your condition and protecting your joints.
