Rheumatoid arthritis physical examination
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Manpreet Kaur, MD [2]
Overview
Physical examination
Appearance of the Patient
- General fatigue and lassitude
Skin
- Rheumatoid nodule found over bony prominences, such as the olecranon, the calcaneal tuberosity, the metacarpophalangeal joints, or other areas that sustain repeated mechanical stress
- Erythema nodosum
- Atrophy of digital skin
- Palmar erythema
- Diffuse thinning (rice paper skin), and skin fragility
- Beading on the nails
Eyes
- Dry eyes
- Scleritis
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes)
- Episcleritis and scleromalacia
Lungs
On Auscultation of lungs:
- Decreased breath sounds on both sides.
- Crackles may be present.
Abdomen
- On palpation:
Extremities
On inspection redness and swelling of the affected joints. On palpation:
- Tenderness
- Pain on movement
- Decreased range of movement