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Rheumatoid Arthritis Imposters

Rheumatoid Arthritis can be difficult to diagnose because many other conditions have similar symptoms. Find out how to tell them apart.

Autoimmune Disorders

  • Back Pain
    Ankylosing Spondylitis
    Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that mainly affects the lower back. Read more about this condition and its symptoms. 
  • african american woman, black women, ethnic woman
    Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
    Lupus is also known as "The Great Imposter" because it's symptoms include painful joints, fatigue, as well as rashes and organ problems.

Gout Diseases

  • gout swollen toe, rheumatoid arthritis mimic
    Gout
    Gout occurs when excess levels of uric acid form needle-like crystals that settle in a joint causing swelling and severe pain.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis x-ray knee
    Pseudogout (CPPD)
    Pseudogout is a form of arthritis triggered by deposits of calcium crystals (calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate) in the joints.

Infectious Diseases

  • Deer tick, insect, Lyme Disease carrier
    Lyme Disease
    Deer ticks carry the bacteria that causes this inflammatory disease characterized by rash, flu-like symptoms, joint pain and neurological disturbances.
  • Reiter's syndrome rash on feet, chronic inflammatory condition, STD
    Reiter's Syndrome
    A chronic, inflammatory condition that affects the joints, the urethra and the eyes. It most often occurs in men aged 20 to 40 after infection with a sexually transmitted disease.

Muscle and Neurological Disorders

  • Schematic of the body's muscles
    Polymyositis
    Polymyositis is an inflammatory disease that causes significant muscle weakness, especially in the upper arms, hips and thighs. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected

Quiz - When It May Not Be Rheumatoid Arthritis

This condition typically occurs in men older than 40 and primarily affects the big toe.