Rheumatoid arthritis is essentially an inflammatory disease of the joints caused by an abnormal immune response of the body. Often referred to as simply RA, rheumatoid arthritis develops when white blood cells begin to accumulate within the synovium that line each of your joints, in this case your wrists, causing inflammation. Eventually, this inflammation can compromise the elasticity of tissue, prompting symptoms of the condition.
Stiffness
Of all the symptoms connected to rheumatoid arthritis, stiffness in probably the most common. This stiffness is not only a result of the inflammation but may also be due to the thickening that commonly occurs within the lining of your joints. As more and more white blood cells accumulate within the wrist, they trigger a release of proteins that ultimately causes the lining to thicken, prompting rigidity or stiffness.
Swelling
Frequently accompanying this stiffness is a noticeable swelling within the wrist. As the inflammation sets in, it can cause an overproduction of synovial fluid that accumulates within the affected joint, triggering some level of swelling. But this swelling isn't always isolated to the wrist alone; it can also occur within your hands, making them appear puffy and even red.
Pain or Discomfort
It's also normal to experience some pain or discomfort with rheumatoid arthritis. This pain or discomfort varies from person to person, but the wrist is often quite tender to the touch. And the pain may even diffuse out into the muscles of your forearm or hand.
Weakness
Over time, the inflammation and subsequent thickening may lead to damage within the cartilage, tendons or bones of your wrist. Any sort of deterioration can disturb its overall structure, leading to an ever-increasing amount of weakness if left untreated.
Fatigue
Rheumatoid arthritis is also known to cause some fatigue. This could be partly due to the abnormal immune response of your body, causing an elevated amount of white blood cells to leave the bloodstream and accumulate within the wrist. However, it may also be a result of sleep disruptions that regularly affect people dealing with this condition.
Nodules
Though not as common as other symptoms of this condition, especially when affecting the wrist, you may begin to notice the formation of nodules (or bumps) under the skin. When the inflammation causes pressure within an area of the wrist, the body responds by forming a nodule. They generally range from the size of a pea to a mothball.
