1. morning stiffness greater than 30 minutes to more than 1 hour; 2. soft tissue swelling (arthritis) in 3 or more joints observed by a physician; 3. swelling (arthritis) of the wrist, metacarpal and proximal interphalangeal joints for more than 6 weeks; 4. symmetrical joint swelling, i.e., simultaneous or sequential onset of the same joint on both sides of the body; 5. rheumatoid nodules; 6. positive rheumatoid factor, with 20% of rheumatoid The rheumatoid factor test is negative; 7. X-rays show that the cartilage surface of the hand or wrist joint is erosion-like or the bone around the joint is sparse. 1 to 4 of the above must be present consistently for at least 6 weeks. A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be made if 4 or more of these conditions are present.