Diagnosis

Diagnosing RA

Diagnosing RA can be challenging due to the overlapping symptoms with other forms of arthritis and other conditions.¹ Prompt diagnosis can improve outcomes and patient quality of life.²

Diagnosing RA has several difficulties:

There is no definitive test for RA¹
Joint stiffness, inflammation, and swelling are common in many different conditions^1,3
There are over 200 forms of arthritis, as well as other autoimmune conditions, that may share some similar symptoms³

However, healthcare teams may be able to rule out certain types of arthritis and there may be differences in some of the symptoms.³

Keeping a diary of your symptoms could aid in your diagnosis

Rapid evaluation of patients after symptoms begin, by an experienced rheumatologist, enables early recognition and treatment. A faster diagnosis results in more rapid achievement of good outcomes and an earlier return to work and social activities, helping to improve patient quality of life.² For example, the screening pathway below shows how an alternative approach can speed up diagnosis.

“Flow chart starting with a patient with symptoms, who self-refers into one of two systems. The routine approach begins with an evaluation by the GP (who may then refer the patient into the alternative approach if appropriate). Days later, in the routine approach, the GP provides the first treatment. Weeks to months later, the rheumatologist evaluates the patient, and after days to weeks, they receive the first treatment by the rheumatologist. In the alternative approach, the first step is the rapid-access clinic, with a 5-min evaluation. They would then either be referred to another specialist, or have a same day referral to the rheumatologist for evaluation. Days later, the rheumatologist will provide the first treatment.”

If your clinic allows it, why not ask a family member, partner or friend to come with you to appointments to support you? Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions so you understand what’s going on.

References

NHS England. Rheumatoid Arthritis – Diagnosis. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/diagnosis/. Last accessed April 2025.
Smolen JS, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2018;4, 18001.
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. Possible complications and related conditions. Available at: https://nras.org.uk/resource/possible-complications-and-related-conditions/. Last accessed April 2025.