Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnostic Tests

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, leading to inflammation in various body parts, primarily affecting the joints. Common signs and symptoms of RA include tender, warm, and swollen joints, with joint stiffness often worsening in the mornings or after periods of inactivity. Individuals with RA may also experience fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.

During a rheumatoid factor test, a small blood sample is taken, usually from a vein in the arm, and sent to a lab for analysis. The rheumatoid factor (RF) is an antibody present in many patients with RA. Elevated RF levels can indicate autoimmune conditions like RA. A positive rheumatoid factor is found in approximately 70-80% of patients with RA. Additionally, the presence of Anti-CCP antibodies is a more specific marker for RA and is often associated with higher disease severity.

RA primarily targets joints, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain due to the inflammation of the joint lining. It frequently affects multiple joints simultaneously, especially in the hands, wrists, and knees. In some cases, RA can also produce isolated areas of redness on the skin over swollen joints, due to widened skin capillaries caused by the underlying inflammation.

For more detailed information about RA symptoms and diagnosis, you can visit the Mayo Clinic, RheumatoidArthritis.org, and Medical News Today. Additionally, resources like the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, Healthline, and the CDC offer comprehensive insights into the condition.