Rheumatoid arthritis has been known to affect a higher density of the population. It is a well known disease with various treatments in the form of drugs and therapy. Before treating the disease, it is important to know first the signs of rheumatoid arthritis and let them be diagnosed by the physician.

Since we are all unique individuals, the symptoms and signs of a certain disease also affect us differently. For others, they may not have recognized the early indicators; but for some, the signs appear early considering the course of the disease. What is important is to visit your doctor immediately once you feel that something is wrong; and from there, you will already know the succeeding steps you can take.

Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Diagnostic Criteria

Once you notice the signs of rheumatoid arthritis to continually appear and progress, then consult them with your health care provider and be diagnosed. However, certain laboratory exams would be done first for coming up with a real positive indicator. If the decision shall not be made by a blood test, then diagnostic criteria will be first used.

This is the criteria to follow in case of appearances of the signs of rheumatoid arthritis: tissue and joint swelling of above three of the fourteen joints for at least a 6-week period, hand joints arthritis for at least 6 weeks, bilateral arthritis for 6 weeks, fat nodules in certain places, morning stiffness for more than an hour in a coverage of 6 weeks, x-ray changes with significant joint erosion, and a result of above the 95th percentile of the rheumatoid factor. At least four of these criteria have to be met as a consideration of RA as the disease.

However, this criterion is not intended to diagnose in the clinical care. Still, blood tests would be significant if the results are positive. The diagnostic criteria, together with the laboratory exams are confirmatory of rheumatoid arthritis.

Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seeking Information

It is important to deal these matters with a health professional. He can tell you what to do and give you several options as a treatment. The signs of rheumatoid arthritis should never be disregarded. Like any other disease, it should never be taken for granted.

Remember that small things start small, but they can definitely grow bigger in no time. Before anything worse happens, learn to seek help already. It's better to get ahead of time and be treated than suffer the worse consequences of this condition.