Rheumatology (including Arthritis)/tests

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Expert: Karen Brawner - 9/5/2004


Question
I think at only forty I am getting this disease.
What tests should be done to determine the cause of pain, swellings, heat etc.

Answer
Dear Karen,  For diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis, you need to have a blood test called RF (rheumatoid factor) and x-rays...

To diagnose Osteoarthritis, you should have an MRI done or the effected area (i.e. knee, hands, wrist etc) which ever one is causing you pain and swelling...

Both of these types of arthritis can cause the same symptoms, but only ONE (RA) shows the rheumatoid factor in the blood...

Thank you,   karen

Rheumatology (including Arthritis)

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Karen Brawner

Expertise

I can answer questions regarding osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. I can also answer questions regarding other autoimmune diseases of which rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.

Experience

I have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis and I myself suffer from osteoarthritis. I also suffer from systemic sclerosis and CREST syndrome which are also autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.)

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