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Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






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I don't know what to do. The doctor thinks I have rheumatoid arthritis and wants me to start on some medications. My lab tests have all come back negative so I don't know what to think. I don't want to take drugs if I don't have to.

The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be very difficult -- especially in the early stages when treatment is so important. Improved imaging has shown us that even before patients have symptoms, joint damage is occurring.

To prevent this, early and aggressive treatment is advised. Doctors can't always rely on lab tests. In 20 per cent of patients who do have RA, the test will not show the presence of RA. In such cases, the physician relies on the history and clinical exam.

Joint stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes in the morning is a red flag symptom of RA. Swelling in more than three joints adds to the suspicion of this disease. Many people with early symptoms of RA have joint pain in both hands or both feet.

A positive squeeze test is an even better way to test for RA. The examiner places his or her hand on both sides of your fingers or toes and squeezes. Pain brought on by this test is a more dependable sign of RA than even these other indicators.

If you have not had the anticyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody assay, you may want to ask your doctor to consider this test. The test is not available everywhere. It has a much higher specificity for RA. Again, a negative test result does not rule out RA.

Research shows that patients who are treated early have the best results. The longer the symptoms are present, the less chance there is for remission (control of the disease). Medications available now are very effective in halting the progression of RA.


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