What is an indicator of chronic inflammation in joints?

Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a significant indicator of chronic inflammation in joints. ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube in one hour. In the presence of inflammation, proteins that promote clotting and inflammatory response increase, causing red blood cells to settle more rapidly. Therefore, a higher ESR indicates an inflammatory process, which is commonly observed in chronic joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders.

In contrast, clear joint fluid typically suggests a non-inflammatory process, so it doesn’t indicate chronic inflammation. Normal uric acid levels are often associated with the absence of gout, while increased flexibility is not typically linked to inflammation in joints and, in fact, might suggest other conditions related to mobility rather than inflammation. Hence, elevated ESR stands out as the most relevant indicator of chronic inflammation in joints.