crimson
11-23-2009, 11:58 PM
I guess some of us maybe asking this questions. Here are some criteria that the doctors use in identifying RA.
* 1. Stiffness lasting at least an hour after getting out of bed before reaching the maximum improvement (‘morning stiffness’).
* 2. Swelling of the soft tissues around at least three joints.
* 3. Swelling of specific joints of the hand, namely the joint in the middle of the finger, and in the knuckle and wrist.
* 4. Symmetrical arthritis (i.e. affecting the same joints on both sides of the body at the same time).
* 5. The presence of swellings under the skin.
* 6. A positive blood test for a substance known as rheumatoid factor.
* 7. X-ray evidence of destruction or loss of bone in and around the joints of the hands.
A doctor will not class a condition as RA unless there are at least four of the above signs and symptoms. The first four in the list must have been present for at least 6 weeks. These criteria are 90 per cent accurate.
* 1. Stiffness lasting at least an hour after getting out of bed before reaching the maximum improvement (‘morning stiffness’).
* 2. Swelling of the soft tissues around at least three joints.
* 3. Swelling of specific joints of the hand, namely the joint in the middle of the finger, and in the knuckle and wrist.
* 4. Symmetrical arthritis (i.e. affecting the same joints on both sides of the body at the same time).
* 5. The presence of swellings under the skin.
* 6. A positive blood test for a substance known as rheumatoid factor.
* 7. X-ray evidence of destruction or loss of bone in and around the joints of the hands.
A doctor will not class a condition as RA unless there are at least four of the above signs and symptoms. The first four in the list must have been present for at least 6 weeks. These criteria are 90 per cent accurate.