Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms

Posted By Suborna Fermi Posted on Oct 20, 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. Our immune system's work is to protect us from foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. In people with Rheumatoid arthritis, an overactive immune system causes inflammation, results pain and swelling in and around the joints. If this inflammation continues for a long time, it can damage cartilage and bones. In some people this damages a wide area of the body, including the skin, eyes , heart and lungs.

Rheumatoid arthritis takes over weeks to months, to show the signs and symptoms . There are no valid reasons behind the occurrence of this disease. However, if your doctor suspects that you have rheumatoid arthritis, they may recommend you to a rheumatoligist. Having a family member with RA increases the odds of having RA. However, most of the people have no family history of RA. Research shows that nearly three times as many women have the disease than men.

Signs and symptoms

• The patient first notices the stiffness in one or more joints, accompanied by pain on movement.
• Stiffness for 30 minutes or longer, usually in the morning.
• Along with pain some people also experience fatigue, fever and loss of appetite.
• In the early stages joints of the hands, knees and feet are commonly affected.
• About 40% of rheumatoid arthritis patients also experience signs and symptoms that dont include the joints. In that case, areas that may be affected including skin, eyes, nerves tissues, kidney etc.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose at its early stage, there is no single test that is used to diagnose RA. Some steps you can take to prevent yourself by eating healthy, doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day and maintaining a healthy life.