Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, immobility and stiffness in the various joints of the body. The disease can affect multiple joints in the body and can eventually cause complete loss of mobility due to pain. The hands and the feet are affected more than any other part of the body. Other parts of the body which may get affected are the feet, knees, hips, shoulders, neck and elbows.
Nodules may begin to develop under the skin and you may have a feeling of malaise. Some of the patients may also develop anemia, dry eyes and other autoimmune disorders or complications.
This disorder can affect people of any age, though the incidence is highest among people in the age range of 30 to 50. Women are more prone to developing this disorder than men. Rheumatoid arthritis can even shorten a person’s life span or create life long disabilities. Rheumatoid arthritis is different from other forms of arthritis and it becomes important to distinguish it from the other kinds in order to administer proper treatment. These tests can also help determine the severity of the condition.
There are several tests which are used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. These tests include:
• Rheumatoid factor – Though rheumatoid factor is present in healthy people as well, in almost 80 percent of the patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, there are significant concentrations of the rheumatoid factor and therefore a correct diagnosis can be made.
• C-reactive protein test (CRP) – The CRP test is performed specifically to find out the extent of inflammation present internally. This test can also help determine the activity of the disease. These tests can be done in order to evaluate and monitor the treatment of the test.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – This is another test which can help the doctor find out the extent of inflammation in the body.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) – This is a panel of tests which can help monitor conditions like anemia or a decreased count of white blood cells.
• Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody (CCP) – This test can be used to detect rheumatoid arthritis in the initial stages. However, since this test is very new, it may not be available everywhere.
There are also certain non laboratory tests which are based on physical examination and observation of the patient. The visible symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as fever, stiffness in the limbs, fatigue, and joint pain are also taken into account when making a diagnosis.