Rheumatoid arthritis is a joint condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, often causing disfigurement. According to the National Institutes of Health, this condition affects up to 2 million people in the United States. Although rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of any age or sex, it is more common in women and in people between 40 to 60 years of age.
Affected Joints
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect several joints on either or both sides of the body, but generally tends to affect the same joints on each side of the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, early symptoms of this condition affect the smaller joints of the feet, ankles, hands and wrist. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, this condition can progress to an extent that larger joints such as the shoulders and hips are affected.
Pain and Swelling
The joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis may be painful and swollen, and it may be difficult to move the joints. The pain can range from mild to severe.
Stiffness
After sleeping, people with rheumatoid arthritis experience joint stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes. Stiffness can also occur after any period of inactivity. The stiffness generally lessens after gentle exercise.
Flu-like Symptoms
Additional symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are described as flu-like which includes fever, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Nodules
Hard bumps can form under the skin near the affected joints. These hard bumps, also called rheumatoid nodules, can range in size from a pea to a walnut.
Deformities
In severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, both bones in the joint can grow together, causing deformities. For example, this condition can cause the fingers to appear bent or twisted if the joints in the fingers are affected.
Loss of Function
Symptoms caused by rheumatoid arthritis can prevent you from completing ordinary activities such as opening a jar, using scissors, walking, writing or standing from a sitting position.
Flareups
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may have periods of remission in which the symptoms disappear alternating with periods of flareups.
