If you’ve been experiencing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, you may be wondering if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease that affects over 1 million adults in the US. Knowing the common symptoms can help you recognize if you may have this condition.
In this article, we’ll dive into the most common signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis so you can determine if you should see a doctor. We’ll also provide tips on next steps if you identify these symptoms.
Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Swelling
The most tell-tale rheumatoid arthritis symptoms involve joint issues like:
- Joint pain – Severe aching pain in the joints that doesn’t go away. This usually occurs symmetrically on both sides of the body.
- Joint stiffness – Rigid, inflexible joints. Stiffness often worsens in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.
- Joint swelling – Swelling, fluid, and inflammation around the joints. This causes a puffy appearance.
While pain can shift locations, it most often impacts the smaller joints in the wrists, hands, ankles, and feet. However, joint issues can occur anywhere in the body.
The pain, stiffness, and swelling may start slowly but tend to worsen over time without proper treatment.
Fatigue and Weakness
Many RA patients experience profound fatigue and weakness. This occurs as inflammation interferes with red blood cell production and limits oxygen transport throughout the body. Patients describe RA fatigue as an exhausted, wiped out sensation even with adequate rest.
Additional Potential Symptoms
Along with the primary joint and fatigue issues, rheumatoid arthritis may cause:
- Low-grade fever – Inflammation can slightly raise body temperature.
- Loss of appetite – As RA makes movement painful, patients may lose motivation to eat.
- Firm lumps (rheumatoid nodules) – These can grow under the skin, often near affected joints.
- Dry eyes and mouth – Autoimmune activity can impact glands responsible for tear and saliva production.
Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis? See a Doctor to Know for Sure
If you’ve experienced persistent joint pain, stiffness, and swelling – especially combined with extreme fatigue – it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor.
While only medical testing can provide an RA diagnosis, identifying these common symptoms is the first step. Early detection and treatment is critical with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis in order to prevent rapid progression and joint damage.
What Tests Help Diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis?
To evaluate if symptoms may indicate RA, doctors utilize:
- Physical examination – Checks for joint swelling, pain, and damage.
- Blood tests – Measures rheumatoid factor and other inflammatory markers.
- Imaging – X-rays and MRI scans visualizes joint damage.
What Is the Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Today more treatment options exist for managing rheumatoid arthritis than ever before due to medical advancements.
While no cure exists, early RA treatment focuses on reducing inflammation to prevent rapid deterioration and disability. This involves medications like:
- DMARDs – Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
- Biologics – Powerful injected immune suppressants
- Corticosteroids – Oral steroids to quickly ease swelling
- NSAIDs – Anti-inflammatories for joint pain relief
The specific RA prescription plan will depend on disease severity. Treatment also includes physical therapy for maintaining joint health.
Create an Open Dialogue with Your Doctor
If the common rheumatoid arthritis signs we covered concern you, start a conversation with your physician right away.
Print out this article to bring to your next doctor’s visit to compare your symptoms. This can help you articulate what you’ve been experiencing so your doctor can run the appropriate diagnostic tests.
Early detection and proactive treatment will help slow RA progression and prevent irreparable damage to your joints over time. You and your care team can work together to find the most effective medical plan.
There are so many new rheumatoid arthritis medications and therapies offering hope today. Being informed on the common symptoms and latest treatment innovations for managing this challenging autoimmune condition is the first step in taking control over your health.