Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that affects each person in different ways. For some it may take a long time, for others the remissions may be shorter. If the rheumatic condition is not active, symptoms may be absent. In people diagnosed with this disease, the disease may even be inactive for a month.

Although it can affect different parts of the body, the main structures that are affected are the joints. When it becomes active, this is the time when the joints become inflamed. In the normal process, inflammation is due to the body's response to infections or other harmful attacks from dangerous foreign organisms. However, in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation occurs during normal body processes for unknown reasons.

The joints most commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis are the hands, particularly the ankles. This is due to the fact that these bony prominences are under the most pressure. But then rheumatoid symptoms can also develop in any joint, such as wrists, neck, knees, shoulders, elbows and even the jaw. In almost all cases the joints are affected symmetrically.

The hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation of the joints along with these rheumatoid symptoms.

One of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is stiffness. The joints become harder, impairing mobility and dexterity. The trademark symptom is “morning stiffness.” These people wait at least an hour until their joints have loosened and movement is bearable.

Next, swells. The accumulation of fluid in the affected joints leads to edematous joint areas. The accumulation of fluid also causes greater stiffness.

Pain is also one of the rheumatoid symptoms. The joints are tender, sensitive and painful. Chronic inflammation leads to joint damage.

Warm and red joint areas were also observed. The erythema or redness of the area is also visible near muscles and skin.

Fatigue or excessive tiredness is also felt, as rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that can affect the body in general.

Malaise, also called general body weakness, is evident in arthritis patients. These people feel sick.

Anorexia, or the medical term for loss of appetite, is also evident. This leads to weight loss.

Muscle pain is also noted as muscles cover the joints. The inflammation of the joints leads to muscle wasting or tissue death as the muscles become immobile due to pain and stiffness.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are often compared to the flu, but can be less severe and last shorter periods of time. It can affect the body in general, so in addition to the main structures, which are the joints, other parts of the body can be severely affected. In moderate to severe cases, multiple body organs can be severely damaged.

Therefore, if a person experiences rheumatoid symptoms, early diagnosis by a doctor, early intervention and, if possible, aggressive treatments are strongly recommended. In this way, the symptoms are treated in the initial phase and the progression of rheumatoid arthritis is delayed and less damage occurs.

If you have symptoms, early and aggressive treatment can help prevent further symptoms and stop the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Inspired by Carole Gayle