Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. When someone has RA, their immune system mistakenly attacks the joints as well as other organs and tissues. The most common symptoms of RA are directly related to joint damage. Additional symptoms are due to the widespread effects of an overactive immune system.
Common Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis is named after its effects on the joints. However, the autoimmune symptoms it causes can affect systems throughout the body.
1) Joint Pain and Swelling
The primary symptom of RA is joint damage. Symptoms usually begin in the smaller joints. RA typically starts in the fingers and wrists. This causes pain and swelling in the hands. Other joints commonly affected by RA include ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, neck, and jaw.
Affected joints may feel warm and spongy to the touch. According to Mayo Clinic, joint damage caused by RA is almost always symmetrical. This means that if your left hand is affected, your right hand will be as well.
Symmetrical symptoms are one of the things that distinguish RA from osteoarthritis (OA). Since OA is caused by physical wear and tear on joints, it’s less likely to be symmetrical. OA is the type of arthritis most people associate with aging.
2) Fever and Fatigue
Although joint pain is the most characteristic symptom of RA, it’s not always the first symptom. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many people with RA first experience a low-grade fever (under 100 F) and extreme fatigue for four to six hours after waking up. However, these early signs and symptoms may not be automatically associated with RA. Fever and fatigue can be caused by far too many other health conditions, even the common cold. There is usually no reason for a doctor to suspect RA until joint symptoms appear.
3) Stiffness
Prolonged stiffness upon waking is another symptom that can help distinguish RA from other forms of arthritis.
RA is also associated with stiffness after a long period of inactivity, such as sitting or lying down. This stiffness usually lasts an hour or more. In general, stiffness from other types of arthritis lasts for shorter periods of time.
Other Symptoms
RA can affect a number of organs throughout the body. However, this type of damage is not common. The symptoms below are associated with more severe or advanced disease.
1) Dry Mouth and Eyes
Rheumatoid arthritis is often associated with Sjögren's syndrome. This is a condition where the immune system attacks the salivary glands and tear ducts. This can cause:
- dry or gritty sensations in the eyes, mouth, and throat
- cracked or peeling lips
- difficulty talking or swallowing
Some people with RA also experience other discomfort in their eyes including burning, itching and discharge.
2) Pleurisy
Pleurisy is a severe tightness or sharp pain in the chest when breathing. It’s caused by inflammation of the membrane surrounding the lungs.
3) Deformities
Advanced RA can cause severe joint damage. The hands and fingers may bend at unnatural angles. This can give them a gnarled and twisted appearance. Such joint deformities can also interfere with movement. Other joints that may become damaged in this way include the wrists, elbows, ankles and knees.
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