Rheumatoid Arthritis DiagnosisThere are rigid diagnostic criteria for RA, yet many cases are misdiagnosed, since a variety of other autoimmune conditions mimic this inflammatory form of arthritis and can easy be mistaken for it, especially in the early stages of the condition. Patients should always keep this in mind before pursuing treatment for RA, in order to achieve better results from targeted care practices. Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis Criteria
The following are the official diagnostic criteria set up by the American College of Rheumatology:* Joint stiffness, especially in the morning, 6 weeks or more Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis and MisdiagnosisThere is no absolute definition of what constitutes RA. There is also no definitive test for the condition. The diagnosis is made by comparing the symptoms and evidence to the expected criteria and making a determination. While this is a good place to start, there are still many errors made, especially by physicians who do not specialize in treating RA. The key word to remember is that RA diagnosis is SUBJECTIVE.Some of the other conditions often misdiagnosed as RA (or RA misdiagnosed as the other condition) include gout, pseudo-gout,
ankylosing spondylitis,
lupus, severe
osteoarthritis,
Lyme disease and other autoimmune disorders involving widespread tissue inflammation, especially in the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis AdviceIt is always best to seek out a specialist if you or your doctor suspects that a rheumatoid process is at work in your joints. Rheumatologists are experts in RA diagnosis and care, although as in most other conditions they deal with, treatment results are usually disappointing.Diagnostic pessimism is common in the RA treatment industry, even though new approaches to treatment provide real hope for suffering patients. Do not allow your doctors lack of skill and knowledge in treating the disorder doom you into believing that there is no hope at all. Instead do your own research and look at the many alternative options available to you. Some patients have made complete recoveries without drugs or any other potentially risky treatment modalities. This is a hopeful sign of better things to come in the future. Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis to Back Pain 6/6/11 Revised 2/11/12 |
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