My doctor wants me to have X-rays of my joints. I already know I have rheumatoid arthritis. What's an X-ray going to do for me? Would an MRI be better?
If you are newly diagnosed the doctor may want to rule out the presence of osteoarthritis (OA) since the treatment of OA is different from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
On the other hand, X-rays are often advised to give a baseline idea of the condition of the joints. X-rays can show the joint space and any erosions into the joint cartilage and/or bone. Later the doctor will want to take follow-up X-rays.
Any future X-rays will be compared to past X-rays to look for changes (better or worse). This information helps the doctor plan the best treatment or perhaps change a treatment approach that isn't working.
MRIs aren't used for every patient. They cost more, take more time to get, and don't always show the joint changes as well as an X-ray.
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