Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that attacks the joints. It is more common in older individuals and usually begins to develop between the ages of 40 and 60. Individuals may have rheumatoid arthritis for only a short period of time, as their symptoms may come and go. Others may experience symptoms that get worse at certain times (flare-ups) and then they go away (remission). Severe rheumatoid arthritis usually lasts a lifetime and causes severe joint damage.
Inflamed Joints
Joints on both sides of the body become inflamed due to fluid entering into the joint. Inflamed joints typically are sensitive, red, and warm. Prolonged inflammation damages the joint and results in pain. Usually, the hands, wrists, knees, ankles or neck joints are affected with rheumatoid arthritis.
Morning Stiffness
In the morning joints are typically stiff, limiting the amount of movement they provide, making it harder to do everyday activities. For example, a person with rheumatoid arthritis may have trouble walking in the morning due to knee stiffness. Arthritic joints usually do not begin to loosen up until 30 to 60 minutes after awakening.
Rheumatoid Nodules
Twenty to thirty percent of rheumatoid arthritis suffers have nodules growing under their skin. The nodules are firm, flesh-colored lumps and occur at pressure points, such as the hands, fingers, knuckles, elbows or heels. The nodule size varies from being the size of a pea to the size of a walnut. Sometimes, the nodules are painful and can impact activities of daily living by restricting one's range of movement.
Anemia & Fatigue
Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis are more prone for anemia. Anemia is low blood iron levels. A decrease in iron causes individuals to tire easily. A combination of anemia and rheumatoid arthritis prevents one from being able to carry out everyday tasks because of undue fatigue.
Deformation of Bones
Over time, the cartilage that protects the bone is destroyed, causing the joint to become deformed. The joint loses its function, and the surrounding bone begins to wear away. Eventually, the bone becomes stuck in one position.
Muscles, Heart & Lungs
Damage to surrounding joints may cause muscle atrophy (shrinking and weakening) due to not using the muscle because of pain or swelling. Commonly this occurs in the hands. Fluid can collect around the heart and the lungs due to excessive inflammation of the joints. The heart muscle, heart valves or coronary arteries may develop problems due to rheumatoid arthritis. Pleuritis, or pulmonary fibrosis, may develop, which can negatively impact one's breathing.
