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The Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis


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Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms generally begin gradually and can come and go.

The best known of all the rheumatoid symptoms is stiffness, especially morning stiffness that lasts for at least an hour.

But, no matter what your rheumatoid symptoms are, or what part of the body they affect, all of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involve the joints. RA causes joint swelling, joint pain and joint stiffness.

Even very temporary lack of movement for someone who's been suffering from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint stiffness.

Rheumatoid Symptoms and Joint Inflammation

Joints are where two of your bones come together. Inflammation (swelling) of a joint causes most of the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.



An X-ray of the joint would usually show that there is swelling in the soft tissue, erosion of the cartilage and narrowing of the joint space.

The earliest rheumatoid symptoms tend to be inflammation in the body's smaller joints. This is almost always in the knuckles of both hands and the wrists. But it can also include the joints of your feet and ankles.



Although rheumatoid arthritis symptoms don't usually affect the fingertips (like Osteoarthritis), joints at the end of the fingers are often painful.

Here's how joint inflammation causes rheumatoid arthritis symptoms:
  • A joint swells. Fluid buildup in each joint area causes puffiness.
  • It feels warm. Skin surrounding the joint feels warm to the touch.
  • Area is red. Skin looks more red or pinkish than neighboring skin.
  • Joint stiffens. Range of motion is limited and movement difficult.
  • It feels painful. Joint inflammation makes it tender and sensitive.
And prolonged inflammation from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can cause extensive damage that contributes to more and more pain.

Other Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

If the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis progress, painful joint inflammation can affect elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, spine, jaw and neck. Rheumatoid symptoms can even occur in the tiny inner ear joints.

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can also manifest as:
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Nodules
  • Feeling ill
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Muscle aches
Rheumatoid arthritis nodules are firm pea-size bumps under the skin. They're caused by inflammation of the small blood vessels and are usually located on the arm near the elbow, but can show up anywhere.

Nodules appear only in about 20% of those with rheumatoid symptoms.

RA can also result in inflammation around the heart and lungs. And even if there are no noticeable rheumatoid symptoms, it can cause other problems like shortness of breath, clogged arteries or even a heart attack.

Natural Rheumatoid Symptoms Pain Relief

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms vary in severity. And flare-ups can alternate with remission, where rheumatoid symptoms virtually disappear.

You can help relieve or even disappear painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis with a healthy lifestyle and natural rheumatoid arthritis pain relief.

Articles you may also enjoy:
Regular Physical Activity Benefits for Health
The 7 Steps for How to Prevent Heart Disease
Natural Home Arthritis Remedies for Arthritic Relief
Best Anti-inflammatory Supplements, Foods and Diet

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Posted in: Health Conditions
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