Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects joints, but can also impact other organs. The severity of symptoms can vary and they may come and go. Flares, or periods of increased disease activity, alternate with periods of remission when symptoms fade or disappear. Over time, RA can cause joint deformity and displacement.
The main symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in a joint breaks down. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory condition that affects joints and organs.
In the early stages of RA, redness or swelling in the joints may not be evident, but tenderness and pain are common symptoms. RA symptoms that extend beyond the joints include loss of appetite, dry eyes and mouth (often due to Sjogren’s syndrome), and rheumatoid nodules.
Rheumatoid arthritis is more than a joint disease, affecting other parts of the body with various symptoms and complications. The joints most commonly affected by RA are in the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, and elbows. Inflammation typically occurs symmetrically in the body. Symptoms can begin suddenly or develop gradually over time, varying from person to person.
The symptom pattern can fluctuate throughout the day and from day to day. RA flares often manifest more as systemic symptoms rather than distinct joint swelling or tenderness. Fever can occasionally accompany RA, usually low-grade (37 to 38°C or 99 to 100°F).
For more detailed information, visit the Mayo Clinic, Arthritis – Mayo Clinic, Arthritis.org, Healthline, CDC, WebMD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.
