Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has your doctor done any imaging test?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Noblesville, IN

My doctor did sonograms of my hands last year and is talking about repeating soon. My other joints are far more painful especially my ankles. Does anyone know why? What tests have you had?

March 22, 2018
 · 
Be the first to react

Answer Summary

Members shared diverse experiences with imaging tests for rheumatoid arthritis, with most reporting X-rays and ultrasounds of their hands and... Read more

Members shared diverse experiences with imaging tests for rheumatoid arthritis, with most reporting X-rays and ultrasounds of their hands and wrists as the primary diagnostic and monitoring tools, even when pain was worse in other joints like ankles, knees, and hips. Several members explained that doctors focus on hands because they are often affected first in RA and provide a useful baseline for tracking bone damage over time, though many also had additional MRIs, ultrasounds, or X-rays of more painful areas when needed. A recurring theme was confusion over why doctors prioritize hand imaging despite greater pain elsewhere, with members emphasizing the importance of asking questions during appointments and understanding that pain levels do not always correlate with the amount of joint damage present.

A myRAteam Member

I had both a long time ago. Changed doctors. This one doesnt do them often. Not at all while on biologic. Instead he used a monthly activity/pain questionaire. Im off biologics and do to have just the xrays repeated.

March 24, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I have had x-ray and ultra sounds of my wrists. I also been tested with carpal tunnel. I have had x-rays of my feet. I have an order to get an x-ray of my ankles. I have had x-rays and MRI of my knees, hips, back, and neck. I have had echiocardigrams of my heart (i have periocarditis- which is fluid collection in the linning of the heart). I have also had MRIs of my Lungs, PET scans ( i had spots on my lungs and they were worried i had lung cancer).

March 24, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I don't know why, but my doctors does the same thing. I think your hands are supposed to be one of the first things affected with RA, but my RA has always been worse in my ankles, knees and and hips. I think they try to get a baseline so that they can check the next time for bone damage. I have asked him and he has done MRIs of my hip, knees and ankles too.

March 23, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I h ave MRis done annually on my hands

March 22, 2018
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member , just curious .. were your tests X-rays or ultrasounds? Are they of your hands?

March 22, 2018

Related Questions

View All

Is it really just RA

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
September 4

Preventing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Can It Be Done?
Imaging Scans for Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis
My Perspective: What Has Rheumatoid Arthritis Given Me?