Answer Summary

Members responded to concerns about RA affecting other organs and what testing doctors should order, with many sharing that their... Read more

Members responded to concerns about RA affecting other organs and what testing doctors should order, with many sharing that their rheumatologists routinely monitor kidney and liver function through bloodwork, perform X-rays of hands every few years to track joint damage, and order bone density scans annually. Several members described experiencing foot pain as a common RA symptom due to the many joints in feet, though distinguishing between RA and osteoarthritis can be challenging without a doctor's assessment, with some members having both conditions in different areas. A recurring theme was reassurance not to let anxiety take over, trusting that doctors will order appropriate tests over time, and knowing that heart health is also monitored as RA can increase cardiac risk.