What Are Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disorder where the immune system attacks the tissues of the hand and foot joints causing chronic inflammation. As it progresses, symptoms will also be noticed in the elbows, shoulders, hips, neck and jaw. Although this disorder does not affect the joint itself like osteoarthritis, it does affect the joint lining, which results in swelling and pain of the joint. This can eventually cause joint deformity and erosion of the bone. The condition normally affects middle aged individuals with women being more likely to be affected by this disorder than men.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can include joint pain and swelling. Joints may also be tender when touched and appear puffy and red. Another common symptom of individuals who suffer with this disorder is called rheumatoid nodules where hard bumps occur beneath the skin on the individual's arms. Other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, low grade fever, weight loss, disturbed sleeping, weakness and joint stiffness that is noticed on awakening and can last for many hours throughout the day.

In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, the symptoms tend to be noticed in the smaller joints of the hands, wrists, feet and ankles. With the progression of the disease, other joints normally are affected such as the knees and elbows. Most individuals who have this disorder often experience rheumatoid arthritis symptoms on both sides of the body at the same time, with the same joints being affected. The severity of symptoms can vary and tend to come and go. There usually are periods of no symptoms that alternate with periods of flare-ups where the disease increases in activity.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease can cause inflammation to organs and other parts of the body. The eyes and mouth can become dry and the lungs can become inflamed, causing chest pains and breathing difficulties. The tissue around the heart can also become inflamed, causing pain when bending over or lying down.