The Differences Between Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Both diseases are diagnosed differently, but neither have a specific test
The diagnosis of both conditions differs slightly. While there are no specific tests that can determine if the person is suffering from any of these diseases, there are several methods that can be used to rule out other conditions.
To diagnose RA, the physician must first ask about the symptoms and check the patient’s family history. The interview will be followed by a physical exam, which checks for any swelling around the joints. If the swelling feels hard, it could be a sign of osteoarthritis, as the lumps and swelling caused by RA tend to be softer.
