What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is known as an autoimmune disorder and it can cause problems with the joints through inflammation. It starts with minor symptoms that might appear periodically on both sides of the body. However, these symptoms then progress over a few months. The symptoms can differ between sufferers and they can change each day. So, what are the early symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Tiredness
Before any other symptoms appear, you might feel fatigued or tires. This is a symptom that can appear before other symptoms appear. It is common to feel more tired on some days than others and often a feeling of ill health often accompanies it.
Stiffness in the Mornings
An early sign of Rheumatoid Arthritis is morning stiffness. Often, the stiffness will last for several minutes but it can get worse over time. If the stiffness lasts for hours, then it could indicate inflammatory arthritis. The stiffness is often felt after periods of inactivity such as sleeping or sitting down.
Stiffness in Joints
If you experience stiffness in the smaller joints then this could be an early sign. It can happen at any time of the day, regardless of whether you are active or not. The hands are often the place to suffer first and it progresses slowly. However, it can occur suddenly and can occur in a number of joints.
Pain in the Joints
Tenderness in the joints will often follow joint stiffness. It is possible that you will also experience pain when you move. Commonly, you will experience the pain on both sides of the body. The most common areas of pain are the fingers and wrists but it can affect the knees, shoulders and feet.
Swelling in the Joints
An early symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis is that the joints can experience inflammation. They will be larger in size and feel hot to the touch. These are known as flare-ups and can last for as much as a few days or even weeks. As time goes on, this is a symptom that will become more frequent and sufferers experience it in other joints.
Fever
A minor fever when other symptoms are present such as inflammation and joint pain can be a sign of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Despite this, if you have an exceptionally high temperature then it could mean that you have an infection or other illness.
Tingling and Numbness
When the tendons are experiencing inflammation, it leads to pressure on the nerves. This can cause tingling in the hands or a feeling of numbness. The joints might even crack or squeak as the cartilage rubs against joints during movement.
Lack of Movement
When inflammation affects joints, it means that tendons and ligaments can alter in shape or become unstable. As the disease worsens, it can mean that you are unable to bend or make certain movements. As the range of movement is affected, it is vital to take part in gentle exercise.
