Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the joints. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) estimates that 1.3 million adults in the United States struggle with this condition on a daily basis. An official diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs after early symptoms of this condition persist for six months or longer.
Joint Stiffness
Joint stiffness is the predominate symptom associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The early symptoms typically begin within the small joints of your body, including your wrists and ankles. During the early stages of this disease, you may notice that you experience difficulty moving these regions of your body upon waking in the morning. Joint stiffness due to rheumatoid arthritis is typically mild in severity during early stages, but may cause you to experience difficulty performing certain tasks, such as holding a pen or opening a door.
Joint Pain
You can experience joint pain in conjunction with joint stiffness during the initial stages of rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation within your joints can irritate the sensitive lining that protects the ends of your bones. If this occurs, you can experience episodes of aching or dull pain within your joints. Painful joint symptoms are typically characterized as mild during the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis any may not initially interfere with your ability to move the affected joint.
Sleeping Difficulties
Early symptoms of joint pain and stiffness can cause sleeping difficulties to occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. When you attempt to go to bed at night, it can be difficult for you to find a comfortable position to sleep in due to joint stiffness or pain. These early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night, which can contribute to symptoms of fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Joint symptoms associated with this condition are typically most severe in the morning and can make it difficult for you to get out of bed.
Flu-like Symptoms
The development of flu-like symptoms can be indicative of early-stage rheumatoid arthritis in some patients. Health professionals at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore warn that rheumatoid arthritis patients can experience fever, weight loss or fatigue. These early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can persist for several months and typically occur in conjunction with symptoms of joint stiffness or pain.
