Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often presents early in young women with symmetric small joint involvement in toes, causing redness, swelling, and morning stiffness; psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may show asymmetric redness with skin changes or dactylitis.
Next Steps
Diagnosis starts with history (e.g., symmetry, fever, recent infection) and exam, followed by blood tests (ESR,
CRP,
uric acid, RF/anti-CCP), X-rays, or joint aspiration for crystals/culture