Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the joints. There is no cure. While this is a lifelong condition, patients do experience periods of remission, when there aren't any symptoms, as well as flare-ups, in which symptoms return. Rheumatoid arthritis can be managed through medication and lifestyle and dietary changes.
Location
Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects small joints first, according to the Mayo Clinic. These joints include hand and feet joints, as well as the wrists and ankles. As the disease progresses, larger joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees may be affected.
Common Symptoms
The main symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is pain in the affected joints. This may manifest itself as morning stiffness that lasts 30 minutes after waking up. In addition to pain, swelling and stiffness in the joint may be present. Deformities in the affected joints are common. Lumps may form in the joints. If the feet are affected, bunions, hammer toes and foot pain are common. Hands may become swollen and red if they are affected.
Other Symptoms
A person with rheumatoid arthritis may run a fever. Another symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is anemia. In some cases, the anemia may cause anemia-related fatigue. Loss of appetite and weight loss are symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. This may result in decreased energy.
Diagnostic Exam
During a diagnostic exam, your doctor will ask you various questions about your symptoms. Keeping a symptom journal prior to your visit may help you answer these questions accurately. These questions may include how long you have had your symptoms, when the symptoms seem to worsen, and what, if anything, alleviates them.
Diagnostic Testing
If your diagnostic exam warrants further testing, your doctor may order an x-ray series, MRI, joint ultrasound, bone densitometry test and a joint fluid analysis. Blood tests may also be ordered. These include a complete blood count, C-reactive protein test, erythocyte sedimentation rate test or an antinuclear antibody test.
