Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Female Skeleton with Highlighted Shoulder

Joint pain, inflammation and stiffness are the most common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis, first of all, is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and (as the condition develops over time) can eventually result to the destruction of the joints, bone and surrounding tissues. In order for a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer’s typical joint problems not to lead to joint damage and bone degeneration, it is important for them to resolve the initial signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis as soon as possible. To help a sufferer identify whether they are most likely affected by rheumatoid arthritis, here is a breakdown of the basic symptoms of this ailment:

Basic Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

1. JOINT PAIN

The pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis on the joints of the hands, wrists, ankles and feet may be so unbearable that is becomes difficult to perform ordinary, everyday tasks without exerting more energy than necessary. It is not uncommon for rheumatoid arthritis suffers to limp, especially under extreme joint pain. Additionally, pain on the joints of the jaw, neck, shoulders, elbows, knees and hips can be highly inconvenient for a sufferer to carry on with their daily activities.

2. JOINT INFLAMMATION

Swelling of the joints is also one of the classic rheumatoid arthritis symptoms which usually affects the knees first—although inflammation can also be seen on the feet and hands resulting from the affected small joints in those areas. Inflamed joints can also cause redness and puffiness on the hands, and a sufferer may also notice rheumatoid nodules (i.e. firm tissue bumps underneath the skin) on their arms. A sufferer may also feel that their swollen joints are hypersensitive to the touch.

3. JOINT STIFFNESS

Stiffness of the joints may also render a sufferer incapable of doing many tasks in efficient ways—activities that typically require less effort if only the musculoskeletal system were properly coordinated and functioned normally. When rheumatoid arthritis symptoms become aggravated or persistent, joint stiffness can be frustrating for a sufferer and even cause them to carry out simple tasks in a clumsy manner. Joint stiffness that starts in the morning, in addition, may last for hours and can almost be immobilizing.

Suffice it to say, fatigue and fever on the entire body may also accompany any of these common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The experience of these symptoms may vary in intensity and may also occur irregularly. A severe rheumatoid arthritis attack may come one time, and may disappear another. Similar to other types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is defined by episodes when symptoms flare up and also episodes when the disease appears to be in remission.  When the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are not under control or managed, the toll of enduring and living with rheumatoid arthritis can lead to weight loss as well. People need the use of their bodies, like the hands and feet, to be able to lead an active life, but the debilitating effects of rheumatoid arthritis can make it very difficult for a sufferer to deal with normal everyday tasks in a pain-free and convenient manner.