What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic type of arthritis characterized by stiffness, pain, and immobility in the joints. RA differs from most common types of arthritis caused by normal wear and tear on the joints as individuals age. Instead, RA is an autoimmune disorder marked by inflammation and degeneration of the joints due to the immune system attacking otherwise healthy joint tissue. As the disease progresses, a person's cartilage, bones, and ligaments can wear away and cause the joint to bend, twist, or scar over time.
RA usually occurs proportionally. For example, the right wrist is likely affected if the left wrist is affected. Although RA primarily affects the wrists and fingers, it can also impact other joints, such as the:
- Elbows
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Hips
- Knees
- Feet
RA may also cause other health conditions in the:
- Blood vessels
- Heart
- Lungs
- Nerves
- Ryes
- Skin
What conditions cause rheumatoid arthritis?
While the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, researchers believe this condition may develop when a person with an increased risk for RA is exposed to environmental factors that trigger inflammation. For example, increasing age, female sex, and genetics increase a person’s risk for RA. At the same time, environmental triggers that can lead to inflammation and RA include certain bacterial infections, cigarette smoking, and stress. However, just because someone has risk factors and is exposed to environmental triggers does not mean they will develop RA. Similarly, some people develop RA with no known risk factors or triggers.
The Arthritis Wellness #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel includes:
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) - is used as a test for infections, inflammatory diseases, and neoplastic diseases. CRP is a more sensitive, rapidly responding indicator than ESR. CRP may be used to detect early postoperative wound infection and to follow therapeutic responses to anti-inflammatory agents. Progressive increases correlate with increases in inflammation/injury.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Factor - the test for (RA) rheumatoid factor is used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. The test may also help diagnose an arthritis-related condition, Sjogren's syndrome. About 80% to 90% of patients with this syndrome have high amounts of RA in their blood.
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) - is used to help diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and drug-induced lupus, but may also be positive in cases of scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, Reynaud's disease, juvenile chronic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, and many other autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases. For this reason, SLE, commonly known as lupus, can be tricky to diagnose correctly. However, because the ANA test result may be positive in many of these other diseases, additional testing can help establish a diagnosis of SLE. In addition, healthcare providers may run other tests considered subsets of the general ANA test and use them with patient symptoms and clinical history to rule out a diagnosis of other autoimmune diseases.
Uric Acid - The uric acid test is used to learn whether the body can break down cells too quickly or not expel uric acid quickly enough. The test also monitors uric acid levels when a patient has had chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
Sedimentation Rate - a blood test used to screen for inflammation, cancer, and infection. A high sedimentation rate is found in wide varieties of inflammatory, infectious, and malignant diseases - the presence of an abnormality that needs further evaluation.
When should I order an Arthritis #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel?
Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis. Common signs or symptoms may include:
- Recurring stiffness in the mornings lasting for 30 minutes or longer
- Fatigue
- Periodic fever
- Loss of appetite
- Sudden weight loss
- Weakness
- Dry eyes and mouth
- Firm lumps underneath the skin
