Most common symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis

In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue, including joints. In severe cases, it attacks internal organs. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joint linings, causing painful swelling. Over long periods of time, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone erosion and joint deformity.

While there’s no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, physiotherapy and medication can help slow the disease’s progression. Most cases can be managed with a class of medications called anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Signs and Symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis:

The 4 most common symptoms are:

• Fatigue

It is a common symptom at all stages of rheumatoid arthritis, mainly when joint inflammation is vigorous. Fatigue in the case of rheumatoid arthritis could be a result of our body’s reaction to an inflammation, anemia, poor sleep & medicines.

Fatigue due to rheumatoid arthritis which leads to low energy could adversely affect our emotions & mood, relationships, occupation, productivity, sexual urge, creativity, attentiveness & happiness.

• Joint pain

Joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis is a result of inflammation in the joint during the existence of the disease. Joint pain could also take place if the disease becomes inactive if the joint was damaged due to rheumatoid arthritis earlier.

An active RA leads to joint swelling due to thickening of joint lining tissue & due to excessive joint fluid. The swollen, inflamed joints stretch & irritate the capsule surrounding a joint. The joint capsule comprises nerves endings inside it which immediately send the pain signals to our brain

An earlier rheumatoid arthritis could result in permanent destruction of joint with damaged cartilage, ligaments, and bone. Use of a damaged joint can result in intense pain.

• Joint tenderness

RA characteristically results in the tenderness of the involved joints. This is due to the fact that inflamed joint lining tissues irritate the nerves within a joint capsule. When the irritated joint capsule gets compressed by an external pressure like touching the joint, it gets frequently tender. The pain caused due to compression is fast. This is 1 of the reasons that an RA could result in insomnia.

•  Joint swelling

Swollen joints are common in an RA. Sometimes the joint swelling is very less and could be difficult to grow. Other times a joint swelling is apparent. Usually, individuals affected by an RA could easily say when their joints get swollen. The swelling of joints could result in loss of range of motions of joints. Joint swelling in fingers could make it tough to get rings off & on easily.