Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. It’s an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include tender, warm, swollen joints, and joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after periods of inactivity. This condition often leads to fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. The signs and symptoms of RA can vary in severity and may even come and go. Flares, or exacerbations of symptoms, alternate with periods of relative remission, during which the swelling and pain fade or disappear.
Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are critical to understand. They typically begin when someone reaches the age of 30, although it can take until a person is in their 60s to fully develop. Factors like cigarette smoking can increase the risk of developing RA significantly. RA affects the joints through pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, redness, and warmth. The nerves of the joint capsule can become irritated, causing pain.
Arthritis itself is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints, with the main symptoms being joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In RA, besides joint issues, other symptoms can occur, such as dryness, pain, inflammation, redness, sensitivity to light, and trouble seeing properly. Mouth symptoms include dryness and gum inflammation, while skin may show rheumatoid nodules. Lung involvement can lead to inflammation, scarring, shortness of breath, and lung disease.
During a rheumatoid arthritis flare, symptoms aren’t much different from the general symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but they are significantly more intense. Those with RA experience ups and downs in symptoms. A flare is a period of significant symptoms following a phase of feeling better. Management of RA flares might involve consulting a physical or occupational therapist for exercise advice.
For more detailed information, visit the following resources:
Mayo Clinic
Healthline
RheumatoidArthritis.org
Verywell Health
Mayo Clinic on Arthritis
Arthritis Foundation
Cleveland Clinic
Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex condition that requires careful attention and management. It’s important to consult healthcare professionals for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
