Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
September 2nd, 2009 by ZeroJointPainRheumatoid arthritis is a specific form of arthritis that causes moderate to severe pain in the joints. Over time, it also causes damage to the cartilage around the joints and can eventually lead to complete or partial stiffness.
- This disorder can also lead to painful swelling around the joints that can eventually become permanent, leaving behind a noticeable deformity.
- In its advanced stages, rheumatoid arthritis can make it very difficult for a person to perform regular everyday tasks that require the use of their hands.
The earliest symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis manifest as joint pain or swelling. At first, this may be minor, but over time the pain will become more severe and the swelling more noticeable.
- Stiffness is another common sign of rheumatoid arthritis, especially morning stiffness that lasts for 30 minutes or more.
- You may also notice that joints become very tender, instead of being more solid and tough as normal.
- Most people first experience rheumatoid arthritis in the hands, thought it can manifest on many different joints.
The areas affected by rheumatoid arthritis may appear red and puffy, and also warm to the touch. Sometimes, small bumps known as rheumatoid nodules may develop underneath the skin – this is another clear symptom of the disorder.
- Some less obvious symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include general feelings of fatigue, long running fever, and weight loss.
- These symptoms by themselves may mean any number of problems, but when combined with joint pain or swelling, they tend to indicate rheumatoid arthritis.
If you’re concerned that the symptoms you’re showing may be related to rheumatoid arthritis, you should also take the following risk factors into account.
- This form of arthritis is significantly more likely to affect women than men – there are roughly 3 times as many cases in females.
- The disorder tends to affect people who are older, starting at around 40 and going up to 60. However, even if you don’t fit the profile, you should certainly seek out a doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
- People of any age can develop rheumatoid arthritis, and the sooner it’s detected the better the treatment options will be.
