A positive antibody does not make arthritis, and a negative one does not exclude it. Ask about duration of morning stiffness, examine the small joints, tendons and squeeze test, and re-examine at short intervals when someone has symptoms but no clear swelling.
- Ask how long morning stiffness lasts and which joints are affected.
- Look for swelling, tenderness and tendon sheath involvement.
- Repeat the examination within weeks if the first is equivocal.
- Refer early when inflammatory arthritis is suspected.
Why it matters
Early inflammatory arthritis is diagnosed clinically, and delay costs joint damage.
Read the rest in the app
You have read your two free briefings this month. The app carries all 27 specialties, every morning, free — and this finding is waiting in it.
Scan to keep reading on your phone. No account needed to start.
Tomorrow morning, before your first patient
One edition a day for rheumatology, written by the desk, every claim tied to its paper. Six minutes.
Get the app — free