Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects joints symmetrically, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and inflammation in areas including fingers, hands, wrists, knees, ankles, feet, and toes. A key diagnostic tool for RA is the rheumatoid factor (RF) test, which measures levels of RF, an immune system protein that can attack healthy tissue, in the blood.
High RF levels are often indicative of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome. Alongside joint-related symptoms, RA can also cause systemic issues such as fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, malaise, and depression. These nonspecific symptoms may precede other more definitive signs of RA and indicate ongoing disease activity.
Mayo Clinic provides comprehensive insights into the rheumatoid factor test, including its purpose and interpretation. Similarly, the Mayo Clinic also offers detailed information on rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and causes. For a broader perspective, Medical News Today discusses RF ranges, tests, and treatment, while the Cleveland Clinic elaborates on rheumatoid arthritis causes, symptoms, and treatment FAQs. Additional insights into rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can be found at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, and Healthline offers a comprehensive overview of the condition, including symptoms, causes, and treatments.
This information is essential for those seeking to understand rheumatoid arthritis, from its symptoms and diagnostic processes to the various treatment options available.
