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.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Symptoms
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Sigma Nursing answeredSee All 4 AnswersRheumatoid 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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Fatigue can be the main symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sometimes, people who have RA know that a flare is on the way when they feel more fatigued. Fatigue can be independent of the joint issues. -
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HealthyWomen answeredSee All 2 AnswersWhen symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occur, you can take steps to lessen their severity. Protecting your joints from undue stress can help. You may find that using a splint around a painful joint (generally wrists and hands) helps reduce pain and swelling. The splint supports the joint and lets it rest. Your healthcare professional can help you obtain a properly fitting splint. You may want to talk to him or her about self-help devices that can reduce stress on the joints while you participate in everyday activities. Zipper pullers, long-handled shoehorns, and products that help you get on and off chairs, toilet seats, and beds can all ease the strain on your joints. -
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersRheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis both cause joints to become painful, stiff and tender. However, the pain of rheumatoid arthritis has some distinctive qualities:
- It can be sporadic. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis live with persistent pain. But in many others, the pain comes and goes. You might have a string of relatively pain-free days, followed by a period where the pain flares up.
- It's often symmetrical. In other words, the pain occurs in the same joints on both sides of the body. If you have rheumatoid arthritis and develop pain in your right wrist, chances are your left wrist will hurt too.
- It's not limited to the joints. Osteoarthritis is a disease of the knees, hips and other joints. So is rheumatoid arthritis, but this disease can also affect other body parts, including the lungs, skin, eyes and others.
- It's an autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system goes haywire, attacking healthy tissue and joints. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears out and the bones begin rubbing together.
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RealAge answeredThe 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.