Rheumatoid Arthritis: Have You Been Properly Tested?
Author: Dr. Mollie Brennan, Naturopathic Doctor
There are over 100 autoimmune conditions and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the third leading one. (Hashimotos is first—I have to plug the thyroid!)
In Canada it takes at least 2 months to get a diagnosis of RA. Realistically people have symptoms and joint pain for years prior to getting it checked. Early detection is key because joint inflammation that goes untreated for years can worsen the trajectory of the disease.
Here is a quick guide of appropriate labs in case you haven’t had some of them performed by your medical team.
Be suspicious if:
There is inflammation of 3 or more joints.
There is pain, swelling of joints, and limited movement for more than 6 weeks.
Morning stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes.
Work with your medical doctor or nurse practitioner to test the following:
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)—this is the important one!
Anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) —I don’t see this one done as often.
ESR
CRP
Notice what didn’t make the list? X-rays! Technically RA doesn’t need X-ray to diagnose, and they don’t show anything in early stages. However, X-rays are still commonly ordered and I support that too—It’s important to have as much baseline data as you can when getting a diagnosis.
Your doctor may order other tests or procedures because there are many causes of joint pain. Usually chiropractors and physiotherapists also have the time to evaluate what is going on and have a discussion with you too. There is evidence for supplements and diet alongside other modalities at Station Street Health that can be effective. Book in to see how we can help you.
Reference:
1) Aletaha D, Neogi T, Silman AJ, Funovits J, et al. 2010 Rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria: an American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism collaborative initiative. Arthritis Rheum. 2010 Sep;62(9):2569-81. doi: 10.1002/art.27584. PMID: 20872595.
