Labs do not help in the diagnosis. Most useful test is the radiograph. Bony sclerosis, loss of cartilage, and bone spurs with bone space narrowing are noted. Interestingly, ankles are rarely involved. Women 2-3 times more affected.
Pathogenesis involves synovial thickening and eventually death and destruction of cartilage.
Chronic inflammatory disease, which is autoimmune. Joint space and tendons become destroyed over time. Early recognition and intervention is critical. RA leads to premature death in many often from consequences of inactivity. Don't think simply in terms of prescribing a pill.