Rheumatology (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of autoimmune arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or the C-reactive protein (CRP) are almost always elevated in any inflammatory rheumatic disease. Several blood tests, such as those for rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP), can detect the presence of antibodies that indicate inflammation.