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Arthritis (Expert Forum)
help with RA
Answered by
Dr Vinod - Exercise & Fitness, Orthopedics
General Physician
Gurgaon - India
This forum is for questions and support regarding arthritis issues such as: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Myositis, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Vasculitis.
help with RA
by arthpain12, Aug 07, 2009 01:18PM
Hello Doctor, the ring finger on my left hand has been extremely sore. I went to my local physician and said I have RA and gave me nurofen. I went on vacation for a week and forgot my medication and now I have a similar pain on my 2nd toe on my left foot. Is this rheumatoid arthritis? what should I do? thanks you.
Doctor's Answer
by Dr Vinod, Aug 08, 2009 06:38PM
, Aug 08, 2009 06:38PMTo: arthpain12
When RA is clinically suspected, immunological studies are required, such as testing for the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF, a specific antibody).
The American College of Rheumatology has defined (1987) the following criteria for the classification of rheumatoid arthritis:
Morning stiffness of >1 hour most mornings for at least 6 weeks.
Arthritis and soft-tissue swelling of >3 of 14 joints/joint groups, present for at least 6 weeks
Arthritis of hand joints, present for at least 6 weeks
Symmetric arthritis, present for at least 6 weeks
Subcutaneous nodules in specific places
Rheumatoid factor at a level above the 95th percentile
Radiological changes suggestive of joint erosion
At least four criteria have to be met for classification as RA.
For treatment follow up with an expert Rheumatologist or Orthopaedician! Take care
The American College of Rheumatology has defined (1987) the following criteria for the classification of rheumatoid arthritis:
Morning stiffness of >1 hour most mornings for at least 6 weeks.
Arthritis and soft-tissue swelling of >3 of 14 joints/joint groups, present for at least 6 weeks
Arthritis of hand joints, present for at least 6 weeks
Symmetric arthritis, present for at least 6 weeks
Subcutaneous nodules in specific places
Rheumatoid factor at a level above the 95th percentile
Radiological changes suggestive of joint erosion
At least four criteria have to be met for classification as RA.
For treatment follow up with an expert Rheumatologist or Orthopaedician! Take care
