Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition that causes damage to the joints and cartilage, resulting in symptoms that can include swelling, redness, and pain in the joints. The good news is that there are treatments, like medications, injections, biologics, and surgery, that can help relieve arthritis pain. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start. Talk to your doctor if you experience these common early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:
1. Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest. It can be caused by a wide variety of factors, but it is also a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Fatigue associated with RA often develops slowly, over weeks or months. It may also come and go with arthritis flare-ups. You may feel like you have no energy to do anything; you may also feel so sleepy that concentrating or working is difficult.
2. Fever
A fever is a body temperature above 100.4 F (38 C). The higher the fever, the more serious the infection. Other symptoms of a fever can include chills and feeling tired. A bacterial or viral infection may cause a fever, but it also can be a sign of other conditions, including cancer and autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Fever can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If you have a high temperature and your doctor suspects an infection, they may prescribe antibiotics.
3. Weight loss
Weight loss is a common sign of RA. When the body has to fight off an infection, like rheumatoid arthritis, it needs more energy to maintain its normal functions, such as breathing and blood circulation This increased demand can make you feel tired and weak and cause the body to burn fat for fuel instead of storing it for later use. As a result, weight loss occurs.
4. Stiffness
Stiffness is a common early sign of rheumatoid arthritis. Such stiffness may be felt in the joints of the fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and feet. This symptom can range in severity, and it is most often present upon waking in the morning. Stiffness usually lasts several hours after getting out of bed or rising from a seated position. Moreover, stiffness may lessen as the day goes on, but return at night when resting or sleeping. Stiffness can also occur after sedentary rest periods, such as after meals or watching television.
5. Joint tenderness and pain
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you may feel stiffness or swelling in one or more joints, making them painful to move. The pain may increase during physical activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. Such pain may also become constant over time, interfering with your ability to perform daily activities.
6. Swollen joints
The first sign of RA is usually joint pain and swelling that can range in severity from mild to severe. Pain and swelling often affects multiple joints, such as the fingers, hands, wrists, knees, and ankles. Affected joints may also feel hot to the touch.
