Arthritis Symptoms - Arthritis Diagnosis

Anti-CCP is a diagnostic test for rheumatoid arthritis.

Early arthritis symptoms can be vague and confusing. Newly diagnosed arthritis patients quickly learn that early arthritis symptoms are just the first layer of uncovering a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.

Are you having arthritis symptoms? Take our screening quiz.

Because there are over 100 different types of arthritis, symptoms of the disease can be variable, but there are certain signs which point to the disease.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can overlap with autoimmune diseases and other musculoskeletal conditions making it difficult to diagnose.

As soon as someone is diagnosed with arthritis, they want to know if there is a cure. Is there a cure for arthritis?

Arthritis patients may experience a flare-up of symptoms. An arthritis flare can be very painful and disruptive to usual activities.

An arthritis remission is when clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis subside for a period of time.

Is arthritis contagious? People around you -- who may not be knowledgeable about arthritis -- will want to know if arthritis is contagious. Does it spread from person to person?

Joint effusion is a symptom of arthritis. It is an abnormal buildup of joint fluid.

Most forms of arthritis are associated with pain that can be divided into two general categories: acute and chronic. Acute pain is temporary. Chronic pain, such as that seen in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can last a lifetime. Learn more about arthritis pain in this 10 part Q and A.

Joint deformity can occur with certain types of arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Are you bugged by your joint deformity? Has it affected your self-esteem?

A clinical symptom characterized by peculiar cracking.

Arthritis is typically a chronic condition but there are acute situations that can create an emergency. Learn about rheumatologic emergency and...

Anemia is often a symptom associated with chronic arthritis.

Intermittent edema in the ankles and calves can be an associated symptom of RA.

Some people with arthritis complain of ear problems or hearing loss. Is there a connection between arthritis and hearing loss?

Hoarseness or voice change can be related to arthritis.

Osteophytes are also commonly known as bone spurs. Osteophytes develop in deteriorating joints damaged by arthritis.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a serious condition for which there are treatments but no cure. Secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension can be caused by or occurs because of another secondary condition. Which rheumatic diseases are associated with pulmonary hypertension?

Inflammation is a process associated with many diseases, including arthritis. Do you know what is happening as inflammation occurs? Do you know why inflammation occurs?

Inflammation is a natural defense of the body to protect against foreign substances or injury, but it can cause problems in certain diseases.

Dry mouth can be a sign of certain diseases and conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome. Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. Dry mouth is more than uncomfortable, it can lead to serious health problems.

When the eyes don't produce enough tears or the right quality of tears, the result is a condition called keratitis sicca, popularly known as "dry eyes." Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome, are among the many causes of dry eyes.

Chronic illness affects both mind and body. The degree of the psychological effect is variable and depends on a persons coping skills and attitude.

An explanation of the differences between lymphedema and edema.

The most prevalent complaint among sufferers of inflammatory arthritis concerns their level of fatigue and its intrusiveness into daily living.

Disrupted sleep is an often overlooked problem associated with arthritis.

Scientists have developed a new diagnostic test for lupus which will improve detection of the autoimmune disease.

When used in conjunction with the patient's clinical picture and history, lab tests help confirm the diagnosis of a disease and track disease activity.

80% of adults with rheumatoid arthritis test positive for rheumatoid factor (seropositive). What was your result?

About 80% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis test positive for rheumatoid factor. The other 20% have seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.

As a blood test, CRP is not specific. A high result serves as a general indication of acute inflammation. Doctors can utilize the CRP test to assess the effectiveness of a specific arthritis treatment and monitor periods of disease flareup. Does your doctor order this test routinely.

Apps is the term that has now become hugely popular, especially among users of the iPhone, iPad, or other smart phones. Searching for apps is an experience. Were you surprised to find apps for arthritis? Tell us what apps for arthritis you have found -- the good, the bad, and the ugly.

When people learn about arthritis (usually after they have been diagnosed with the disease), they are often surprised by how little they knew. Most people have misconceptions about arthritis and lack knowledge of arthritis basics. Let's look at arthritis basics -- a dozen facts people with arthritis should know.

Lung abnormalities are not uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis.

No more misinformation! Hhere are 10 facts you should know about arthritis.

When the first signs and symptoms of arthritis appear, confusion and questions arise.

What is a comorbid condition? Do most people with arthritis have a comorbid condition? Does it make them harder to treat?

An attack of arthritis led to the Boston Tea Party and the independence of the American colonies. Plus, 27 other little known facts about arthritis.

Arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints, but there are over 100 conditions classified as types of arthritis.

Common acronyms for tests, treatments, & surgical procedures related to arthritis.

A reference for arthritis related acronyms.

Scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera (the white outer wall of the eye). Inflammation of the sclera can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosis. Sometimes the cause is unknown.

Compression of the heart caused by blood or fluid accumulation in the space between the myocardium (the muscle of the heart) and the pericardium (the outer covering sac of the heart).

A lump of fat on the back of the neck(cervicodorsal) called a buffalo hump by itself is not a sign of any one, specific condition. It must be considered in light of other symptoms and test results. Common causes include extended use of some steroids (glucocorticoids such as prednisone, cortisone, and hydrocortisone) and hypercortisolism (caused by Cushing's syndrome).

The symptoms involved in CREST syndrome are associated with the generalized form of the disease Systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma). CREST is an acronym for the clinical features that are seen in a patient with this disease.

Pericarditis is a disorder caused by inflammation of the pericardium, which is the sac-like covering of the heart. Pericarditis can be associated with systemic diseases such as autoimmune disorders and rheumatic fever.

Weakness may be subjective (the person feels weak, but has no measurable loss of strength) or objective (measurable loss of strength as noted in a physical exam). Weakness may be generalized (total body weakness) or localized to a specific area, side of the body, limb, or muscle.