What are some of the other diseases that can present as Rheumatoid Arthritis but be something else?
Several diseases mimic the condition of Rheumatoid Arthritis, but with proper investigation, they turn out to be something else. Below is a list of those conditions;
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)- This is also an autoimmune condition that involves multiple organ systems including the joints.
- Lyme disease- This condition is due to an organism gaining entry inside the body, which can be treated with the use of antibiotics.
- Sarcoidosis- This condition is often misdiagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, due to similar manifestations, however, it can be due to any causative organism rather than just the body’s immune system.
- Osteoarthritis- This is also a debilitating disorder, but it is due to infection of Staph. Aureus, which can be treated with the use of antibiotics.
- Psoriatic arthritis- This is also an autoimmune disorder, in which almost all joints are severely affected. The main distinguishing feature against Rheumatoid Arthritis is the changes in nails in a person suffering from Psoriatic Arthritis.
