Your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Whether you're new to treatment or have been in treatment for a while, talking openly about RA symptoms will help your doctor choose next steps that are right for you.

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Whether you're new to treatment or have been in treatment for a while, talking openly about RA symptoms will help your doctor choose next steps that are right for you.

Tell your doctor:

  • How often you have joint pain, swelling, and stiffness (and how long it lasts)
  • How intense your joint pain is on a scale of 1 (mild) to 10 (worst)
  • How much redness or warmth you’ve had around your joints
  • If you've had a fever or loss of appetite recently
  • How often you have fatigue (and how severe it is)
  • If you've noticed small nodules under your skin

Other clues that help your doctor know if treatment is working include:

  • How easy or difficult it is for you to do daily tasks (get dressed, drive, cook)
  • How many joints are affected by pain, swelling, and stiffness
  • Your energy level (higher or lower)
  • How you feel overall (better or worse)

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