Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis

A medical history evaluation and a physical examination are performed in determining if rheumatoid arthritis is the cause for joint pain.

During the physical exam, a doctor will look for swelling, warmth around the joint, painful motion, lumps under the skin, joint deformities and joint contractures (inability to fully stretch or bend the joint).

Diagnostic tests can include blood tests and x-rays. A blood test may reveal an antibody called rheumatoid factor, an indicator of RA, and the x-ray can help show the progression of the disease.