Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that significantly impacts joints and can extend its effects beyond, potentially damaging other parts of the body. The primary feature of RA is the inflammation of the synovial membrane, which lines the joints. This inflammation leads to the thickening of the membrane, fluid accumulation, and eventually, joint erosion and degradation.
One of the unique aspects of RA is that it can manifest in various ways. For instance, some individuals experience severe joint pain and intermittent swelling in different body parts, including hands, wrists, elbows, neck, shoulders, knees, and feet. This pain can occur even in the absence of significant swelling or with low levels of inflammation, indicating that rheumatoid arthritis pain is not always directly correlated with visible joint inflammation.
For more detailed information, visit the Mayo Clinic and the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center websites.
Another aspect of RA is seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, where patients do not have certain antibodies typically present in the blood. This condition represents one of the two main types of RA diagnoses. Typically, rheumatoid arthritis patients test positive for rheumatoid factor (RF) and/or anti-citrullinated peptide (CPP) antibodies, but this is not the case with seronegative RA.
For additional insights, refer to RheumatoidArthritis.org.
Symptoms of RA can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. Early stage symptoms might not include swelling and redness in the joints but can involve tenderness, joint pain, stiffness, and subtle signs indicating potential issues. The pattern of symptoms may fluctuate daily, with occasional “flares” marked by an increase in systemic symptoms rather than distinct joint swelling or tenderness.
For more information on the progression and stages of RA, visit Healthline.
Fever is another symptom occasionally associated with RA, usually low-grade. It’s essential to recognize and not ignore symptoms such as broken bones, chest pain, dryness, eye problems, and more, as they can be crucial indicators of the severity and progression of the disease.
To learn more about the symptoms you shouldn’t ignore, check out WebMD.
Understanding rheumatoid arthritis is vital for effective management and treatment. Being aware of the varied symptoms and the potential for the disease to affect different body parts is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
