According to the Arthritis Foundation, 1.3 million people in the United States struggle with rheumatoid arthritis every day. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that results in the inflammation of the lining of healthy joints, such as the knees or shoulders. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unclear, but is believed to be related to problems with the immune system. Though there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, several options are available to help manage disease-related symptoms. If left untreated, this condition can lead to severely damage joints, which can cause loss of function, pain and disability. By recognizing the early warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis noted by both the Arthritis Foundation and the Arthritis Society, you can help prevent the severity of this condition from evolving further.
Flu-like Symptoms
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may frequently experience flu-like symptoms. Such flu-like symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, fever and loss of appetite. While flu-like symptoms may be indicative of a viral or bacterial infection, recurrent or prolonged symptoms are more likely the result of systemic inflammation. If you experience frequent flu-like symptoms, it is important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.
Joint Symptoms
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you likely experience frequent pain, tenderness or stiffness in your joints. These symptoms are most apparent in the morning after waking or after prolonged periods of sitting. You may also notice that your joints appear swollen or that the skin covering your joints appears red or inflamed. Certain individuals may also experience muscle pain or have difficulty lifting items normally used on a daily basis. If you experience frequent joint pain or stiffness, you may want to discuss these symptoms with your medical provider.
Skin and Eye Symptoms
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may experience symptoms associated with your skin or eyes. As rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, symptoms can occur throughout the body---not just within the joints. Certain individuals with this disease may notice that their skin has a pale appearance. Additionally, some individuals may develop rheumatoid nodules, which typically occur around the elbow joint. Rheumatoid nodules are small, painless masses underneath the skin and can indicate the severity of the disease. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis may also develop symptoms associated with the eyes, including itching or burning of the eyes or frequent discharge from the eyes. Certain individuals may experience dry eyes or dry mouth---a condition called Sjögren's syndrome, which results in decreased tear or saliva production. Be sure to speak with your doctor if these symptoms persist.
