Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects not only the joints, but many other areas of the body as well. According to the Arthritis Foundation, as many as 1.3 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis. Its exact cause is a bit of a medical mystery, and, according to the National Institutes of Health, rheumatoid arthritis has no cure. Joint pain and deformities are the hallmark symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but it has many other side effects as well.
Joint Stiffness
One of the most common side effects of rheumatoid arthritis is joint stiffness after a period of rest. Most people with the disease find that for the first hour or more they are up in the morning after a night of sleep, their joints are stiff. This can also occur after sitting for long periods of time.
Nodules
Another unusual side effect of rheumatoid arthritis is the formation of nodules under the skin. The Mayo Clinic reports that these nodules are tiny bumps of firm tissue, and usually are most apparent in the arms. For some people, the nodules are concentrated around the elbow area. The National Institutes of Health reports that nodules typically indicate a more severe form of rheumatoid arthritis.
Fever
Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body's defense mechanisms attack itself, fever is another common side effect of the disease. Fever is one of the body's natural reactions to an infection. As excess fluid reaches the joints to try and "fix" them, the body's temperature can rise. According to the National Institutes of Health, however, rheumatoid arthritis typically produces only a low-grade fever.
Itchy Eyes
Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the body's organs and fluids. Another unusual side effect of rheumatoid arthritis is eye discomfort. The National Institutes of Health reports that this includes itching and burning as well as excess discharge of fluids from the eyes. The Arthritis Foundation refers to this as Sjogren's Syndrome, and reports that it is caused by problems with the glands around the eyes.
Weight Loss
According to the Arthritis Foundation, many people with rheumatoid arthritis may have nausea as a side effect of the disease. This may be because arthritis makes it more difficult to eat, or because the person with rheumatoid arthritis simply does not feel as hungry. Nausea is also associated with rheumatoid arthritis and may play a role in weight loss.
Skin Changes
Rheumatoid arthritis may also cause skin changes, according to the National Institutes of Health. This can range from warm, reddened skin to skin that is more pale than normal. The Arthritis Foundation reports that in more severe rheumatoid arthritis cases, ulcers may also appear on the skin.
Anemia
According to the National Institutes of Health, rheumatoid arthritis can actually prevent bone marrow from producing enough new red blood cells for the body. For some people, this can result in anemia. Many people also experience associated weakness and fatigue as a side effect of rheumatoid arthritis.
