Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Symptoms
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Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints, starting with the smaller joints of the hands and feet. There is pain and swelling in the joints, and they may be red and feel warm to the touch. In the morning or after being inactive for some time, joints will feel stiff for a few hours. Other symptoms may include fever, fatigue, and even weight loss. Symptoms may be only occasional, but they will progressively worsen.
Talk to your doctor about any possible rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. While there is no cure for it, there are ways to slow its progression and to control pain. Some effective pain medications can be purchased over the counter, but your doctor can recommend others that may be more suitable or have fewer side effects. Your doctor may also recommend occupational therapy or exercises you can do to protect your joints.
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The joint pain symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis differ in that RA creates more inflammation/swelling, and morning stiffness lasts longer. Watch rheumatologist Natalie Azar, MD, discuss how RA symptoms tend to be more severe.
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The severity and course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) varies from person to person, and symptoms may come and go (called flares and remissions). Although RA is generally a progressive condition (worsening with time), most treatments now focus on slowing or even stopping its progression in addition to reducing symptoms.
Left untreated -- or undertreated -- as many as 50% of people with RA will experience some degree of disability, so early, aggressive treatment is key.
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Sometimes, people who have RA know that a flare is on the way when they feel more fatigued. Fatigue can be the main symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and fatigue can be independent of the joint issues.
