How Can You Tell From A Blood Test

[emmie]

whether i have osteoarthritis in both hands. I am Due to have blood test today and would like to know.

[Sqad]

You can't.

A blood test would be to exclude as far as possible...R A. and that is not 100% accurate.

[dannyk13]

Emmie, I don't think the blood test is for osteoarthritis, maybe for something else.
https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/know-if-you-have-osteoarthritis

[emmie]

ok thanks. Doctor thinks going on my description
that i have osteoarthritis in both hands, as i do in knees and feet. She didn't think it was RA.

[dannyk13]

Emmie, sounds like you need an x-ray on your hands.RA tends to be accompanied by swelling in the joints.

[emmie]

no swelling danny, just pain and two fingers on left hand go numb sometimes. Left hand is definitely worse than the right.

[dannyk13]

Hasn't your GP suggested an x-ray ?

[emmie]

not yet, perhaps after the blood test results.

[dannyk13]

Hope you get it sorted.

[emmie]

me too. thanks for the replies, help always appreciated.

[dannyk13]

Maybe this is why you are having a blood test:-
//No blood test can definitively prove or rule out a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, but a number of tests can show indications of the condition.//

[Sqad]

I think that a more productive avenue of investigation would be more in line with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, particularly if the the thumb index or middle finger are involved.


Just a thought ;-)

[Gill1941]

Husband had RA in both hands. Very swollen, red and painful. They could control it with medication.
I have osteoarthritis it most joints including hands. Very bad right ring finger. Don't think there is much they can do with hands. Hips, knees etc but not hands. Try to keep them moving and as warm as possible. It is always worse in the winter.
Good luck with the tests. Will be interested in results.

[Barsel]

Emmie, here's some information about arthritis pain in hands.
https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/joint-surgery/types/other/hand-surgery.php

[emmie]

have had blood test, will let you know what the results are when i have them.
its the little finger and the next one to it that goes numb.
i think like the doctor that it's osteoarthritis in both hands not RA. Painful and it's worse now the weather is getting colder.

[Sqad]

"its the little finger and the next one to it"

Ah! not Carpal Tunnel then.......stick with O.A.

[emmie]

could also be, have had that and it was at work, which i don't do now. CTS was very painful and i had to desist for a time from typing which made it a whole lot worse.

[Barsel]

Emmie, did you read the link I put on? The reason I put it on is in case they talk to you about possible surgery in the future and you would know what to expect.I wish I had read about foot surgery before I had it as I would never have had it done.

[Giggsie]

Barsel what foot surgery did you have? I had surgery on both feet for RA and got great relief loads better now. No regrets for having it.

[Barsel]

Giggsie first operation was to take the bones out of my curling toes, the idea was they would then just lie flat, but that didn't happen and one toe was so tucked under the toe next to it, I had to have it amputated.This has now caused the toes next to it to turn towards the space where the toe was removed .I also had an operation on my big toe as it wasn't straight, but ended up with it curling upwards so much, it's now made that foot one size smaller than the other. I won't wear open toe sandals because my feet are now a right mess and I have to get my shoes made to fit at the mobility centre.I wish I'd have known this beforehand as I would have never had it done.

[Giggsie]

Barsel sounds like what I got done. Bones removed from my toes which are now floppy but do lie flat. Also big toes had bunions so they were removed and toes pinned straight. Not ideal but loads better without curled toes and pain.. now on waiting list for plastic knuckles not sure on that one tho. My brother has had both hands done.