Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern,
meaning that if one hand or knee is involved, the other one also is. The disease
often affects the wrist joints and the finger joints closest to the hand. It can
also affect other parts of the body besides the joints. In addition, people with
rheumatoid arthritis may have fatigue, occasional fevers, and a general sense of
not feeling well.
There is no single test for rheumatoid arthritis, making it difficult to
diagnose. In addition, symptoms differ from person to person and can be more
severe in some people than in others. Also, symptoms can be similar to those of
other types of arthritis and joint conditions, and it may take some time for
other conditions to be ruled out. Finally, the full range of symptoms develops
over time, and only a few symptoms may be present in the early stages. Symptoms of
rheumatoid arthritis may include:
- Joint inflammation sometimes affecting other joints, including the neck,
shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, and feet
- Fatigue, occasional fevers, a general sense of not feeling well
- Pain and stiffness lasting for more than 30 minutes in the morning or
after a long rest
- Symptoms that last for many years
- Variability of symptoms among people with the disease
- Tender, warm, swollen joints
- Symmetrical pattern of affected joints
- Joint inflammation often affecting the wrist and finger joints closest
to the hand
- Deformity of your joints over time
Dealing with the pain and the unpredictability of rheumatoid arthritis can
also cause symptoms of depression.
See your doctor if you have persistent discomfort and swelling in multiple
joints on both sides of your body. Your doctor can work with you to develop a
pain management and treatment plan.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms to
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