Measurement of temperature in the arthritic hand

Two simple and relatively inexpensive thermographic techniques have been studied as possible methods for quantifying change in inflammation, either spontaneous or drug induced, in the rheumatoid hand. Crystal thermography plates were found to be of no value. An infra-red medical thermometer provided reproducible results, providing full precautions were observed. The fall in temperature produced at individual joints by local steroid injection, whilst consistent, fell within the observed temperature variation of the untreated rheumatoid hand.