Other conditions with symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis

Content provided by Healthwise

Other conditions with symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis

Joint pain and stiffness can be caused by other medical conditions besides rheumatoid arthritis, including:

Osteoarthritis (most common form of arthritis).
Crystal deposits in the joint (gout and pseudogout).
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE).
Polymyalgia rheumatica.
Inflammation of blood vessels in the body (vasculitis).
Spondyloarthropathies (such as Reiter's syndrome [reactive arthritis], ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis).
Bacterial arthritis.
Fibromyalgia.
Lyme disease.
Viral diseases such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
Torn cartilage in the joint.

Usually, a health professional will diagnose rheumatoid arthritis by evaluating your symptoms, understanding your medical history, and performing certain blood tests to eliminate other causes for your symptoms.

Credits

Print Email SHARE

Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Updated	August 18, 2008

Print Email Twitter Facebook MySpace AIM More

Last updated:	August 18, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.