What Are the Key Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints but can manifest in various other parts of the body. This article breaks down the primary symptoms and causes of RA to provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition.

1. Joint Manifestations:

Tenderness: Many patients experience tender, warm, and swollen joints. The inflammation primarily attacks the lining of the joints, causing discomfort.
Stiffness: Joint stiffness tends to be more pronounced in the mornings and after periods of inactivity.
Symmetrical Symptoms: RA often causes inflammation in symmetrical areas – if one hand is affected, the other likely is too.

2. Systemic Symptoms:

Fatigue and Malaise: These nonspecific systemic symptoms might precede other signs of RA by weeks or even months and can indicate ongoing disease activity.
Fever and Weight Loss: These can accompany the fatigue, painting a picture of an overall unwell body.
Depression: A lesser-discussed but significant symptom, depression can be a direct result of the ongoing challenges RA poses.

3. Other Manifestations:

Eyes: Dryness, pain, inflammation, redness, sensitivity to light, and vision problems.
Mouth: Dryness coupled with gum inflammation, irritation, or infection.
Skin: Presence of rheumatoid nodules – small lumps appearing under the skin, especially over bony areas.
Lungs: Inflammation and scarring can result in shortness of breath and even lung disease.

It’s crucial to understand that every individual may experience different symptoms. While some may see a sudden onset of pain, others might have a slow progression of the disease. The most commonly affected joints include those in the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, and elbows.

But what causes RA? The exact causes are still under research, but it’s an autoimmune condition, meaning the body mistakenly attacks its tissues, in this case, the joints.

For those looking for further in-depth information about RA and its various manifestations, consider visiting the Mayo Clinic, CDC, or Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center for comprehensive resources.