10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition which stems from a problem with the immune system. When your immune system is healthy, it has the ability to fight infections. When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the cells in the inner lining of the joints and causes them to get inflamed. They become stiff and swollen and cause immense pain. The problem is that some people may not experience any symptoms at times, while at other times, the pain is unbearable.
While the main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are stiffness and joint pain, there are some early warning signs you may experience before these symptoms occur. These signs correlate to how one is feeling overall, while at times these signs relate specifically to the joints.
It is absolutely essential to spot these warning signs and seek treatment as soon as possible. Here are some of the early symptoms rheumatoid arthritis patients may experience:
- Fatigue
You may feel extremely tired at all times, even in case you have not exerted much physically. - Slight fever
A slightly raised temperature may become a common norm for people affected by rheumatoid arthritis. - Weight loss
You may experience sudden weight loss, without you putting any effort to control your weight. - Stiffness
A stiffness in different areas of the body may last for days at a stretch. - Joint tenderness
The joints may feel tender when touched. - Joint pain
Pain in the joints of the fingers, feet, and wrists is one of the early symptoms rheumatoid arthritis patients face. - Joint swelling
The joints in the fingers, feet, and wrists may appear to be inflamed. - Redness of joints
Inflammation may lead to the joints appearing red. - Warm joints
A warmness in the joints is a sign of inflammation and may occur before or after the swelling. - Numbing and tingling
You may feel a numbing and tingling sensation in the joints.
Detection of the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is extremely important. As there is no cure for the disease, early detection can help you reduce possible complications. Moderate exercise and proper treatment go a long way in helping to reduce flares. It is essential to consult a doctor as soon as the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are visible as the disease can lead to a further damage in the affected areas of the joints, bones, and cartilage if left untreated.