Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which your body's own immune system attacks your healthy cells and tissues. Specifically, RA affects the small joints in your hands and feet and causes a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and deformed joints, according to the Mayo Clinic. Medline Plus states that the cause of RA is unknown and tends to affect women more than men. During your clinic visit, you doctor will likely perform a physical exam; take blood tests, and X-rays. Look for these signs when reviewing your X-rays with your doctor.
Step 1
Examine the space between the joints in your hands to see if there is an increase in joint space, because this is a sign of swelling. Compare the joint spaces in your current X-ray to a previous X-ray.
Step 2
Look for joint spaces that may be decreasing from a previous X-ray, as this is a sign of joint erosion and a worsening prognosis. Check the joint at the base of your ring finger, because this is classically the first joint effected. Examine the joints in your wrist to make sure you can separate the bones from each other.
Step 3
Check for bone erosion. Examine the intensity of the signal going through the bones in your hands and feet. Look for an even absorption of signal, or white area, throughout each bone.
Step 4
Check for contracture by looking for misalignment or dislocation of your finger, wrists, toes, or feet joints.
Step 5
Look for advanced stages of RA by reviewing X-rays of your spine, acromioclavicular joint (joint between your collarbone and tip of your shoulder), knees and shoulders. Check for swelling, joint erosion and joint contractures.
Tips and Warnings
- Examine X-rays with your doctor. Always compare your right side with your left side.
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