Rheumatoid

Swelling, pain, stiffness, and skin redness in joints of the hand can be symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Fingers may get stuck, causing hand deformities.

Several treatments for rheumatoid arthritis can reduce or eliminate pannus, abnormal tissue that causes joint swelling and cartilage degeneration.

Gout and pseudogout cause a build-up of sharp crystals in the joint tissue, the pain from which can be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis pain.

Sometimes infections, such as septic bursitis, can cause joint pain and inflammation that mimics rheumatoid arthritis.

Autoimmune conditions such as lupus and scleroderma can cause RA-like symptoms, such as joint pain.

Spondyloarthropathies, such as ankylosing spondylitis, cause joint pain that tends to mimic joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Some back pain treatments will not make rheumatoid arthritis joint pain worse or interfere with prescription medications, some of which and can be done at home.

The sooner doctors can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, using medical imaging, physical examinations, joint swelling, and blood tests, the sooner it can be treated.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms often present pain and swelling in the hands and feet symmetrically, and include joint stiffness, fatigue, fever, and depression.

Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, such as medication, exercise, and possibly surgery, are aimed to reduce pain, increase joint function, and slow damage.