While physical examinations, laboratory tests (including CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and imaging studies can help your doctor determine the severity of your condition, your own self-assessment is important too. For example, how long does morning stiffness last? Have symptoms, including your pain and fatigue levels, worsened? How is rheumatoid arthritis affecting your daily activities, family life, leisure time, and work?
The goal of treating rheumatoid arthritis is to manage symptoms, minimize damage, and prevent disability. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential. But even with an aggressive treatment plan, there is no arthritis cure, and there is no guarantee that the disease will not progress from mild to severe.
What can you do to stave off severe rheumatoid arthritis? Start by learning all you can about the disease. When symptoms first occur, consult a doctor or rheumatologist. Decide on a treatment plan with your doctor. Be compliant with the treatment plan. Be open and honest with your doctor about changes in your condition or any concerns that develop.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Quizzes
Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
Do you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and early, aggressive treatment can help prevent joint damage and deformity.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Test Your Knowledge
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. How much do you know about rheumatoid arthritis -- a chronic, inflammatory type of arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis Or Osteoarthritis: Which Is It?
Two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Do you know the difference?
Rheumatoid Arthritis Or Lupus: Which Is It?
While rheumatoid arthritis and lupus each have their own sets of symptoms, there are also some symptoms that overlap between the two diseases. Do you know the difference?
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Basic Information
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Fast Facts
Check out this overview of rheumatoid arthritis -- one of the most disabling types of arthritis.
10 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 million Americans, and three times as many women as men. There are important facts you should know about rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Explained With Pictures
Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects your joints, but it can cause symptoms throughout your body. These photos help explain rheumatoid arthritis.
Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. Learn more with our five-part guide to the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis 101: Free E-Course Newsletter
Better understanding of rheumatoid arthritis will enhance your ability to manage the condition. Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis in our free newsletter e-course.
Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis will lead to an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. See your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Prognosis - How Soon Will Symptoms Worsen?
Questions about the prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis typically follow diagnosis. Patients want to know how bad the disease will get, how soon symptoms will worsen, and what their future holds.
Arthritis Hand Photo Gallery
Hand damage and deformity caused by arthritis can include nodules, swelling, stiffness, ulnar drift, contractures, and other problems. These photos of hands damaged by arthritis help explain the symptoms.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hand Deformity: Is It Inevitable?
Rheumatoid arthritis hand deformity is a common symptom of the disease. Is it inevitable? Can it be prevented?
Video: Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Hands
This video sheds more light on hand deformity, a primary characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis.
Video: Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knee
Rheumatoid arthritis in the knee can lead to activity limitations. This video explains how.
What Defines A Remission In Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can lessen for a period of time. What defines a true remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients?
What is Rheumatoid Factor?
Explanation of the significance of rheumatoid factor.
What Is A Rheumatoid Nodule?
Firm nodules beneath the skin may develop in about 25% of rheumatoid arthritis patients. See what they look like.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment - 2012 ACR Recommendations
The American College of Rheumatology has updated guidelines for using DMARDs and biologic drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Is There Advice for Patients With Long-term Rheumatoid Arthritis?
There is a lot of advice for newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients, mostly regarding early diagnosis and treatment. What advice is there for patients who have already lived with the disease for 5 or 10 years?
Source:
Primer on the Rheumatic Diseases. Arthritis Foundation. Thirteenth Edition.
