Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The most common signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are:
- Morning joint discomfort or stiffness -- usually in the hands or feet -- that lasts more than 30 minutes to an hour after getting out of bed
- Pain, stiffness, or swelling in three or more joints
- Symmetrical joint pain (i.e., joints on both sides of the body are affected)
- Fatigue
Other early warning signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Pea-sized lumps, called nodules, under the skin
- Chronic low-grade fever
- Loss of appetite
- Anemia
- Accumulation of fluid (swelling) in your ankles or behind your knees
If you experience any of these symptoms -- particularly joint discomfort -- for more than two or three weeks, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. Why the rush? If it is rheumatoid arthritis, your best chance of stopping it is with early, intensive therapy -- ideally within three to six months of your first symptoms.
Pain, stiffness, and other symptoms similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis can be caused by many things, from a viral or bacterial infection, to Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus (another type of arthritis), fibromyalgia, or simply an injury or strain.
If you experience unusual or persistent pain of any kind, make an appointment with a doctor to determine what may be causing your symptoms.
