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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Need Answers As To What Test I Need To Determine What Kind Of Arthritis I Have.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Valdosta, GA

Good morning everyone, I'm new to this site, I was diagnosed awhile back with arthritis all In my back but only had a back X-RAY to pick it up,Sucks not having insurance ,I don't even know what kind of arthritis I have. I know I need a MRI done to tell me more. Most days I keep bad back pain. Good news is I'm switching jobs, Soon will have insurance, Any suggestions on what kind of tests would give me the best answers as to what kind of arthritis I have? I also have to take Lortab for pain to… read more

July 21, 2022
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A myRAteam Member

Trust your doctor. Consult a rheumatologist if you can. Don't guess. Early treatment is vital, especially for rheumatoid arthritis, which in notonly joint pain, but is an autoimmune disease.

July 21, 2022
A myRAteam Member

You are right Paula. I get tested for those every few months (except the RA factor test). I went by my own experience in that my GP tried for a year to figure out what was wrong with me. Once I had the positive RA factor test, I was diagnosed with RA and started seeing a rheumatologist. I did have a RA factor test with a new rheumatologist. Not sure why he did it. It felt like he didn't believe me after having a diagnosis for 15 years. Once that came back positive, it seemed he did believe that I had RA.

July 24, 2022 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

There is an RA factor blood test. If you are seropositive, you definitely have RA. If it's seronegative, a doctor will determine if you have RA through symptoms. It's not always easy to prove. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Osteoarthritis shows up on xrays. There are many different types of arthritis. Those are the two types I have. Anything that is called arthritis means it primarily affects your joints, but some types can affect internal organs like RA.

July 22, 2022 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

To determine what kind of arthritis you have, several tests may be conducted:

1. Medical History:
- Gathering a thorough history of your symptoms is crucial. Symptoms can vary over time, so your rheumatologist will evaluate the pattern of symptoms you've been experiencing.

2. Physical Exam
- Your rheumatologist Show Full Answer

To determine what kind of arthritis you have, several tests may be conducted:

1. Medical History:
- Gathering a thorough history of your symptoms is crucial. Symptoms can vary over time, so your rheumatologist will evaluate the pattern of symptoms you've been experiencing.

2. Physical Exam:
- Your rheumatologist will evaluate all of your joints for visible signs such as redness and swelling.
- They will feel each joint to check for warmth and a “boggy” texture, which indicates fluid build-up and thickening of joint tissue.
- Range of motion at each joint will be checked for limited movement.
- A hand grip test may be administered to determine if your symptoms have weakened your hand strength.
- Pressing on your joints to evaluate pain, which might be uncomfortable depending on tenderness.

3. Blood Tests:
- Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA): Helps rule out other autoimmune diseases like lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome.
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF): This antibody is present in most people with RA but can also be found in elderly individuals or those with other conditions like tuberculosis and hepatitis B and C.

4. Joint Count Test:
- A healthcare provider examines your individual joints for signs of swelling and pain, tallying the number of affected joints and the degree of their impact.

5. Combination of Methods:
- Rheumatologists often use a combination of physical exams, blood work, radiographic imagery, and patient-reported outcomes to arrive at a correct diagnosis.

Always discuss with your rheumatologist or nurse why each test is recommended, what it involves, any potential costs, and if it involves any pain or discomfort.

July 10, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Thanks everyone for the help as to what I need to do with figuring out what kind of arthritis my back is eat up with..Every answer was greatly appreciated..

July 24, 2022
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