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Tests overview
RA is difficult to diagnose in its early stages, when the joints may appear normal. Initially, the diagnosis is made by ruling out other possible causes for the symptoms. The doctor will take a medical history and conduct a physical examination similar to the one used to diagnose osteoarthritis. The presence of RA can be confirmed later with X-rays and laboratory tests.
Certainly, the finding of multiple red, swollen joints that are warm to the touch is strongly suggestive of RA, particularly if the same joints are involved on both sides of the body. However, these signs are present only during the active stages of the disease and may not be detectable in joints such as the hip that are deeply buried in the body.
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