Archive puzzle

Doctordle #15

Symmetric swollen hand joints

RheumatologyMedium

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Case notes

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Case summary

This archived Doctordle case was published on 2026-04-15. It presents "Symmetric swollen hand joints" as a Medium Rheumatology puzzle. The final answer is Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Answer

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Source

MedlinePlus

Topic pages verified on 2026-07-11

Information summarized from MedlinePlus.gov. MedlinePlus does not endorse Doctordle.

Six clues

  1. Clue 1

    A 38-year-old has painful swelling in both wrists and several finger joints.

  2. Clue 2

    Morning stiffness lasts more than an hour.

  3. Clue 3

    Symptoms improve somewhat as the day goes on.

  4. Clue 4

    The pattern is symmetric rather than limited to one injured joint.

  5. Clue 5

    The condition is an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis.

  6. Clue 6

    Without control, it can damage joints over time.

Plain-language explanation

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause chronic joint inflammation, commonly with symmetric small-joint pain, swelling, and prolonged morning stiffness.