Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Diagnosis & Treatment

Imaging Tests

Many imaging tests can be used to determine the signs of damage around joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis, such as joint narrowing, cartilage erosion, or bone damage. In addition, these techniques would help the doctor keep up with the advancement of the condition, thus making better decisions for treatments. X-rays are the most popular option used for identifying joint damage and bone erosion. However, they are not useful in the early stages when symptoms are not obvious. MRI scans can examine beyond your bones and check for changes in your soft tissues. For early symptoms, an ultrasound can be the best option to help detect the condition early. [5]