General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Swollen, painful hands or wrists that have been stiff on waking for several weeks need an early medical consultation. If rheumatoid arthritis is already being followed, a new painful flare calls for prompt medical advice.
Rheumatoid arthritis is chronic inflammation affecting several joints. It can alternate between flares and quieter periods. Other conditions also cause joint inflammation, so a diagnosis requires medical assessment.
The rheumatologist looks for swollen, warm and stiff joints. Prepare when symptoms began, which joints are affected and practical difficulties, such as making a fist. These observations complement the examination.
Blood tests look for inflammation and certain autoantibodies. An absent rheumatoid factor does not rule out the disease, and its presence alone does not confirm it. The doctor interprets the results alongside clinical signs.
X-rays provide a reference for monitoring changes. They can be normal early on; ultrasound or MRI is sometimes useful. The doctor selects further examinations according to the situation.
If the disease is confirmed, your usual doctor and rheumatologist arrange follow-up consultations and tests. Keep your questions for these discussions and report unusual changes; do not change treatment without medical advice.
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