Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that significantly impacts joints and other body systems. This autoimmune and inflammatory disease causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells, leading to inflammation in affected areas. RA primarily targets joints, often affecting multiple joints simultaneously, including those in the hands, wrists, and knees.
The symptoms of RA can vary but typically include tender, warm, swollen joints, joint stiffness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Unlike gout, which is caused by uric acid crystals, RA involves the immune system causing joint damage. RA symptoms can be inconsistent, with periods of increased severity known as “flares.” These flares often involve systemic symptoms rather than just joint swelling or tenderness. Low-grade fever (37 to 38°C or 99 to 100°F) may also occur during flares.
In addition to joint symptoms, RA can cause other systemic issues such as loss of appetite, dry eyes and mouth (linked to Sjogren’s syndrome), and rheumatoid nodules. The pattern of these symptoms can change throughout the day and from one day to the next.
Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, including detailed symptom information, at these resources:
Mayo Clinic
CDC
Cleveland Clinic
Arthritis Foundation
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center
Healthline
