DIAGNOSING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
DIAGNOSING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONAfter the clinical history is taken, the physician will perform a physical examination. Your physician will examine all of your joints, looking for evidence of tenderness, heat, swelling, and decreased motion. Your doctor will pay particular attention to the pattern of joint involvement because one of the distinguishing characteristics of RA is the particular pattern of joints that can be affected. Often the physician will perform a complete physical examination (including taking your blood pressure; feeling your glands; examining your eyes, ears, nose, throat, and skin; listening to your heart and lungs; examining your abdomen; and checking your reflexes and muscle strength) to uncover clues to help him or her identify the type of arthritis you have.Sometimes, in the early stages of RA, people find the results of the physical examination frustrating because they are experiencing significant pain or stiffness in their joints, and the physician may not be able to detect outward signs of joint inflammation. In these cases the physician has to proceed on the basis of the patient’s description of the pain or stiffness he or she is experiencing. Again, the accuracy of the clinical history provided to the physician is extremely important.*16/209/5*
