Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease, which means that even though the symptoms of the disease come and go (flares and remissions), the disease is still present. The Arthritis Foundation states that RA progresses in three distinct stages: swelling of the synovial lining, synovian thickening and the release of enzymes that digest cartilage and bone, with the symptoms of the disease getting more pronounced with each.
Pain and Swelling
The main symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is pain, stiffness and swelling of the affected joints. The joint may feel "squishy" when touched because of the inflammation. The symptoms are symmetrical, meaning that symptoms that affect one side of the body will affect the other; however, the pain may be more severe on one side. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the pain and stiffness are most common in the morning and will last at least an hour. The length of time the stiffness affects the joints is one of the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as stiffness from osteoarthritis usually subsides within 30 minutes.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, fatigue makes it difficult to cope with the pain and other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and may lead to stress and depression. However, it further states that coping with fatigue is possible by determining the major causes of your fatigue. It suggests using a fatigue journal in which you keep a detailed record of your daily activities and dietary choices and how each affects your energy level. In severe cases, you may need to ask your doctor to check for anemia.
Other Symptoms
The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers a list of initial symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis that includes loss of appetite, weakness and muscle aches. As the disease gets progressively worse, you may also experience hand and feet deformities, paleness, a low grade fever and/or numbness of the affected extremities.
Juvenile RA Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include a fever and/or rash, both of which may appear and disappear quickly. The lymph nodes and/or eyes may swell noticeably. This eye inflammation is serious, as it may lead to blindness. Pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints are common symptoms of juvenile RA. These may lead to limping.
Side Effects
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center lists a multitude of side effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid nodules, neurological conditions, cardiopulmonary conditions, eye problems and rheumatoid vasculitis are some of the side effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid nodules are small knots that develop near affected joints. Neurological conditions include tarsal tunnel syndrome and sensory peripheral neuropathy. Cardiopulmonary symptoms include pleurisy, Caplan's syndrome and pericarditis. Eye problems include a form of dry eye called Sicca and corneal ulcerations. Rheumatoid vasculitis is a condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels.
