Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis. Arthritis as a disease can be difficult to live with. An arthritic condition primarily affects the joints, and a definite cure is yet to be established. Of the different kinds of arthritis, you have to be wary. It’s because this disease affects not only adults or aging individuals, but also the young. Considering there is quite a number of arthritic conditions, it is essential that you be keen. In the sense that you have to take time to obtain proper diagnosis. As there are over a hundred different kinds of arthritis, self-diagnosis can be risky.
And especially experimenting on “cures” and treatments on your own- that is, self-medicating. To be able to manage arthritis effectively, you need proper assessment and diagnosis. How can you treat or cure something when in a sense you are aiming for the wrong target? An arthritic condition degenerates, especially when neglected or left untreated. To be able to devise an effective arthritis management plan, get to know what it is that you’re really dealing with. Of all the kinds of arthritis, thirteen kinds are said to more commonly manifest. What are some common kinds of arthritis? For one thing, there is gout.
Gout develops due to the accumulation and deposition of monosodium urate or MSU crystals. A person suffering from gout experiences inflammation around the joints, especially the big toe. These swellings are painful, too. Other than the joints, damage cause by gout can also be inflicted on the kidneys. Among the most common kinds of arthritis is the reactive form. A reactive arthritic condition develops after an infection. Often, it is infections of the intestinal or genitourinary tract which gives way to reactive arthritis. This form of arthritic condition more often affects young adults. However, it is likely that appropriate treatments would be effective.
Then there is polymyositis. This, on the other hand is an inflammatory form of muscle disease. It is a systemic condition affecting all muscles. Systemic Lupus Erymatosus or SLE is one of the common kinds of arthritis. SLE is an autoimmune disorder which is systemic in nature as well. It is capable of affecting other vital organs in the body. Women in their childbearing years are more apt to be beset by SLE. Systeminc Lupus Erymatosus is possibly life-threatening. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Fibromylagia is a soft tissue form of arthritic condition. This particular form of arthritic condition results from defective neurotransmitter functioning in the brain.
The neurotransmitters are responsible for many sensory functions. As such, people suffering from fibromyalgia could experience bizarre symptoms. Polymyalgia reumatica is another of the common kinds of arthritis which those aged 50 and above often have to deal with. Severe stiffness and aching in the neck, shoulders and hips are common polymyalgia symptoms. But then again, this form of arthritic condition is very treatable, provided it is accurately diagnosed. And proper assessment and diagnosis are indeed necessary especially as there are other conditions with similar symptoms. Other kinds of the disease which affect the majority are carpal tunnel syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Sjorgen’s syndrome and Sceleroderma, among others.
What does a mildly positive Rheumatoid Factor test indicate if the doctor claims you don’t have arthritis?
It must mean something, I assume. I also have joint pain and strange muscular sensations, but no one has been able to figure out the problem. Has anyone with similar symptoms/test results received a diagnosis?
I also have a positive RH factor, but my sedimentation rate is normal, my Mom has active rheumatoid arthritis and I have had problems with joint pain, and various muscle weakness issues, but one Rheumatologist told me since I don’t have any evidence of joint damage it’s NOT RA. I’ve had one Dr say It’s fibromyalgia, which I think is a made-up, catch phrase “diagnosis” when they don’t know what else to say. —I don’t worry too much about- I figure everybody has pains, everybody gets older–we all need to eat right, exercise and get plenty of rest….good luck!
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