Hi everyone, I'm trying to learn more about rheumatoid arthritis because a family member has been experiencing persistent joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. While searching for a rheumatoid arthritis specialist in Mumbai, I realized there's a lot of information online, but it's hard to know what really matters. What should someone expect during the first consultation? Are blood tests like RF and anti-CCP always required, or does the diagnosis depend on a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and imaging?

While researching different orthopedic resources, I came across Dr. B.S Rajput's Ortho Centre along with several other clinics, but I'm more interested in understanding the condition than getting recommendations. If you've been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, what helped you manage it besides medication? Have physiotherapy, regular exercise, or dietary changes made a noticeable difference? I'd appreciate hearing practical experiences or evidence-based advice that could help someone newly diagnosed understand the journey ahead.