Diagnosis Of Dactylitis Or Inflammation In Fingers & Toes

Diagnosing dactylitis is different depending on what is causing the inflammation in the fingers or toes, as there are many different conditions that could be causing the symptoms.

To help with diagnosis, it is a good idea to make a list of your symptoms that you can hand the doctor during your visit, along with current medications and history of family with similar issues.

See the causes page for various causes of inflammation in the fingers or toes.

The doctor will likely take X-rays or an MRI of the swollen joints in the affected fingers or toes.

Fluid may be taken from the joints and tested in a laboratory to diagnose whether or not it's gout, or blood tests to see if it's RA (Rheumatoid arthritis), or OA (Osteoarthritis).

Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA and Psoriatic arthritis, or PSA are auto immune diseases that attack healthy cells. RA and PSA is incurable but treatments are readily available to reduce inflammation and swelling, preventing joint damage.

PSA is often not detected, or misdiagnosed. 30 percent of those suffering from psoriasis get PSA, and half of those suffer from dactylitis.

With both RA and PSA, it is important to deal with the inflammation as soon as possible, as inflammation is damaging to the joints.