What could cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 38-year-old female, and lately, I have been experiencing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. These symptoms last for hours and affect both my hands and knees. My doctor suspects it might be rheumatoid arthritis and has suggested some tests. I am very confused and would like a second opinion. Can you explain the early signs of RA? What tests can confirm it? Should I do blood tests like rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies? Are imaging tests useful for this? What are the best treatment options for RA?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects many joints, including those in the hands and feet. It is an autoimmune disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the linings of the joints, causing painful swelling. Over long periods, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:

Tender, warm, swollen joints.
Joint stiffness, which is usually worse in the mornings and after periods of inactivity.
Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.

Early rheumatoid arthritis typically affects the smaller joints first, particularly the joints that connect your fingers to your hands and your toes to your feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms occur in the same joints on both sides of the body. X-rays may not be very useful in the early stages.

Blood screening tests for:

Rheumatoid factor (RF).
C-reactive protein (CRP).
An antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer can be used.

Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms, as there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Advanced treatments with biologics are also available nowadays.

I hope this has helped you.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.