Question
I have been with sciatic nerve pain for 7 months, from the lower back through the left leg…I have taken numerous drugs and steroid shots and nothing seems to help. I have the Rheumatoid Factor positive (17) but then the bone scan does not demonstrate joint degeneration. What else could it be? Does the Rheumatoid Factor only diagnose RA?
Answer
The rheumatoid factor can be present in as high as 15% of the normal population, particularly if the level is low. Some viral illnesses, liver disease such as hepatitis C, and some malignancies can also cause a postive rheumatoid factor test. Thus a positive rheumatoid factor test does not mean you have RA.
