Signs of rheumatoid arthritis can show up 1-2 years before diagnosis
- 5 years ago
A new study shows patients with rheumatoid arthritis experience functional disabilities for as long as two years before they're diagnosed.
The Mayo Clinic say difficulties with daily activities like dressing, walking and eating can be seen in patients a year or two before diagnosis.
The researchers say this may reflect an accumulation of symptoms between the time of onset and the time required for experts to diagnose patients.
They added their study shows the importance of early treatment, …as they found increased levels of difficulty with daily activities continued even after patients began treatment.
Symptoms can include joint pain or swelling, …but 40 percent of patients experience symptoms that don't involve the joints …like fatigue, fever and loss of appetite.
The Mayo Clinic say difficulties with daily activities like dressing, walking and eating can be seen in patients a year or two before diagnosis.
The researchers say this may reflect an accumulation of symptoms between the time of onset and the time required for experts to diagnose patients.
They added their study shows the importance of early treatment, …as they found increased levels of difficulty with daily activities continued even after patients began treatment.
Symptoms can include joint pain or swelling, …but 40 percent of patients experience symptoms that don't involve the joints …like fatigue, fever and loss of appetite.