6 Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis - Could I Really Have RA?

The signs of rheumatoid arthritis are not as hidden and unnoticeable as some people seem to believe. Although there are indeed rheumatoid arthritis signs that some people might not be able to pick up on, there are still PLENTY of other symptoms that you'll be able to notice and clearly identify. What are those signs & symptoms? Take a look below to find out.

6 Typical Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis...

1. Joint Pain: The most obvious of all arthritis signs. If you have sudden, lingering joint pain which can not be contributed to an injury of some kind, it could very well be the onset of RA. Most be a constant, unwavering pain that doesn't fade over time.

2. Joint Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue that is not your typical level of "tired". Your joints ache and it would just be better for them if you were to lay down and not do anything at all.

3. Low Energy: A drastic decrease in energy level. This is a bit like joint fatigue, except that it is an "all over body" feeling which effects more than just joints.

4. Swollen Joints: This isn't a little redness, this is SWOLLEN to the extreme. Your joints will be enlarged, red, tender, and of course painful. This "flare up" won't be just a freak occurrence, but more than likely a DAILY thing. This is one of the signs of rheumatoid arthritis that will NOT be able to go unnoticed, period.

5. Low Grade Fever: One of those signs of rheumatoid arthritis that may be hard to pick up on -- as this may be something that you just pass off as being the usual "flu". Be sure to take notice of the length of the flu and/or other possible flu-like symptoms. If it is in fact just a flu, then it should pass in time and not return too frequently. On the other hand, if it IS a fever brought on by RA and it is ALSO accompanied by other signs of rheumatoid arthritis, well, you can put the pieces together, can't you?

6. Swollen Glands: Glands may start to swell for no apparent reason. If there is no other cause (that you know of), then it is indeed possible you could be suffering from RA. As usual, take into account if you are experiencing other signs of rheumatoid arthritis so you don't make a false diagnosis; thereby scaring yourself into unnecessary treatments.

Remember, these 6 signs of rheumatoid arthritis won't be experienced every "now & again" -- but SEVERAL times a week, if not on a daily basis. This, without a doubt, is the most important aspect in determining if you have RA. If it's just a temporary thing that passes and doesn't return, well, then you're probably in the clear.