Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It’s an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints, resulting in pain and stiffness. It can affect anyone at any age, but it’s most common in women between the ages of 30 and 60. While rheumatoid arthritis has distinct symptoms, there are other conditions that can mimic its symptoms and be mistaken for it. Knowing what can be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis is important in order to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic offers virtual consultations with rheumatologists to evaluate symptoms and help determine if you’re suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or another condition. Quickly register online for a virtual second opinion and expert diagnosis today.
Common Conditions That Can Be Mistaken for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Although rheumatoid arthritis has its own set of symptoms, there are several other conditions that can present similar symptoms, leading to a wrong diagnosis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It’s a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage between bones to break down, resulting in pain and stiffness. While it shares symptoms with rheumatoid arthritis such as joint pain and stiffness, osteoarthritis typically affects weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, and spine. It also doesn’t have the same inflammatory response as rheumatoid arthritis, making it easier to distinguish.
Lupus
Lupus is another autoimmune disease that shares similarities with rheumatoid arthritis. Both conditions can cause joint pain and inflammation, but lupus has other distinctive symptoms such as skin rashes and sensitivity to sunlight. A blood test for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) can help differentiate between the two conditions.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the muscles and soft tissues. It can cause widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. While fibromyalgia shares similar symptoms with rheumatoid arthritis like joint pain and stiffness, it typically doesn’t involve inflammation of the joints. Additionally, fibromyalgia can also cause tender points on the body that aren’t present in rheumatoid arthritis.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness. It most commonly affects the big toe but can also affect other joints. While gout can mimic the joint pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, it has distinct symptoms such as swelling and redness at the affected joint.
Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Always Misdiagnosed?
Although there are conditions that can be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis, it’s not always misdiagnosed. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional and proper testing can help distinguish between different forms of arthritis and accurately diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, advancements in medical technology and diagnostic tools have made it easier to differentiate between conditions with similar symptoms.
A few of the tests that can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test
- Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody test
- X-rays and imaging scans to assess joint damage
- C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) tests to measure inflammation
- Joint fluid analysis to check for uric acid crystals or signs of infection
Working with a rheumatologist and undergoing these tests can help determine the correct diagnosis and treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. If you’ve received a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis but are unsure or want a second opinion, consider consulting with The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic for recommendations from an expert specialist.
Register Online with The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic for a Virtual Second Opinion
Don’t let a wrong diagnosis or uncertainty about your condition hold you back from getting the proper treatment. Register online today to discover the difference that peace of mind can make.
