Rheumatoid Arthritis and CRP Levels-When to Get Tested?
Introduction
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a painful autoimmune disorder that causes painful swelling and stiffness in the joints of the body. It also has the capacity to worsen and cause loss of mobility and function in the joint tissues. The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is often used as an indicator for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The CRP is a common test used for the diagnosis of RA and to assess if treatment is working. In this article, learn about the common symptoms of RA and when to get tested.
MedCab offers budget-friendly packages for home sample collections related to RA tests, CRP tests, and other autoimmune conditions. If you find any of the symptoms appearing in your physical body, get tested with MedCab today.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition. It causes inflammation in the joints along with swelling and stiffness. Gradually, there is functional and structural alterations in the joints suffering from the inflammation. Rheumatoid Arthritis also causes damage to other parts of the body, such as eyes and skin. Essentially, the immune system begins to attack the own tissues of the body, impacting the lining of the joints and gradually deteriorating the bone under them. It can also cause the joints to bend and become out of shape with the passage of time. Despite the long-term damage, the medicinal treatments and timely diagnosis through relevant tests can help with the management of the condition.
Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can help in getting timely tests and an early diagnosis. Recognising these symptoms is necessary for prompt management and to ensure that the condition does not worsen further. The following are some of the common signs and symptoms of RA –
- Pain: Joint pain accompanied by redness is the most common symptom of RA.
- Inflammation: There is lot of inflammation and visible swelling, particularly around the joints area. This occurs along with the pain and is a common RA symptom.
- Morning Stiffness: The stiffness occurring with rheumatoid arthritis is most common during the morning hours, while it lessens with gradual activity through the day.
- Symmetrical Pattern: RA often affects joints on both sides of the body equally, such as both hands or both feet.
- Impacted Joints: The most commonly affected joints include the hands, wrists, and feet. However, shoulders, feet, and knees can also be affected.
- Limited Range of Mobility: The mobility and movement of the individual is significantly affected due to the disease.
- Rheumatoid Nodules: Firm lumps of tissue can form under the skin, usually close to the affected joints.
- Fatigue: A significant loss of energy and tiredness is a common symptom
Relationship of RA and CRP Levels
In RA, C-Reactive Protein, also known as CRP levels, will be high. These can be measured through a simple blood test. The collected sample will reveal elevated CRP levels, which is a marker of inflammation. CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body, and its levels are often elevated in RA patients.
Normal levels are typically below 0.3-1 mg/L, while moderately elevated levels (in the range of 10-100 mg/L) can be indicative of RA. The doctor will use the CRP level test, other visible symptoms and a few other blood markers to assess if one has RA. Treatment is accordingly prescribed to manage symptoms and CRP levels.
CRP is not the only indicator of RA, but it can suggest inflammation in the body. Also, some individuals with RA can have normal CRP levels. CRP is a helpful indicator for the diagnosis and management of RA.
C-Reactive Protein Test with MedCab
MedCab offers a number of package deals for measuring CRP levels along with other necessary tests related to the assessment of RA. MedCab provides excellent, rapid sample collection services at budget prices. Our sample collection professional will reach the location of your choosing, be it home or office. Avoid crowded areas and the risk of infections in pathology labs by choosing MedCab’s blood sample collection services from the convenience of your home. Some of the package deals offered by MedCab for Rheumatoid Arthritis and bone health include the following –
- MedCab Bone Health Care: package includes a variety of tests such as Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Calcium, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Quantitative, Phosphorus, Rheumatoid Factor (RF), Quantitative test and other 5 parameters.
- MedCab Arthritis Care – Advance: Advance package includes a variety of tests such as CBC Profile, Urine Profile, RBS, LFT, KFT, ESR, CRP, Phosphorus, Rheumatoid Factor, Vitamin B12, Iron Studies, Calcium, Vitamin D test and 75 parameters.
- MedCab Arthritis Care – Basic: Basic package includes a variety of tests such as Anti Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti CCP) antibodies, CBC Profile, ESR, Kidney Function Test (KFT), Liver Function Test (LFT), Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Quantitative, Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy test and 46 parameters.
- MedCab Bone Health Package: Package includes a variety of tests such as Complete Blood Count (CBC), Vitamin D, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), RA Factor, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Phosphorus Serum, Anti-CCP, Uric Acid Serum, Vitamin B12, Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Calcium Serum test and 33 parameters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, RA is a painful condition, and timely tests can help in the early diagnosis and management of the disorder. RA can impact bone health and joint structure, thereby making daily life challenging. However, with timely CRP tests along with other markers of RA, one can be timely diagnosed. MedCab offers effective tests and packages in a budget related to RA and other bone problems. Book a blood sample collection with MedCab at the convenience of your home or any other location, and ensure your bones are in good shape.
