(1) Pain, swelling, rigidity which is aggravated in the morning and alleviated by exertion. The affected parts are usually the small joints of the hands (especially the interphalangeal joints and metacarpophalangeal joints), wrist joints and foot joints; sometimes, elbows, shoulders, ankles, knees and hips may also be affected.
(2) At the advanced stage, rigidity and deformity of joints can be seen. The affected joints are less flexible and the muscles around the joints are atrophic. In some cases, there may be subcutaneous nodules in the prominence of joints. Continue to learn Chinese medicine treatment for Arthritis.
(3) Laboratory examination, blood sedimentation increased; serum albumin decreased and globulin increased; IgG, IgA and IgM increased in electrophoregram; in most cases, blood RF positive.
(4) X-ray examination, swelling of periarticular tissue at the initial stage, followed by osteoporosis of joints and narrowing of joint space; at the advanced stage, dislocation of joints, disappearance of articular cartilage, erosion of subchondral bone substance and ultimately rigidity of joints.
