Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms To Watch For

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis that is chronic, painful and debilitating. The rheumatoid arthritis symptoms most sufferers experience are fatigue, stiffness and joint pain. From RA sufferers we learn, too, that symptoms can range from all over aches and pains, like muscle aches, to flu-like symptoms. Doctors still do not know the exact cause, though they suspect that there is probably a genetic tie-up with this disease. An immune system malfunction can also cause RA and there is a potential for bacterial involvement as well.

Here are some rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and the key points to look out for:

Painful swelling.

The first rheumatoid arthritis symptom that you need to know about is the excruciating swelling of your joints leading to chronic pain. This makes moving very difficult. Simple everyday tasks seem impossible to do, too. Check if your joints are swollen and warm to the touch. You could have rheumatoid arthritis if this kind of swelling stays for at least six weeks.

Notable chronic joints.

Having rheumatoid arthritis usually involves swelling in a cluster of joints. So if you have swollen joints on your wrist, you will find that your knuckles and other joints near that area will also start to swell too. It is highly advisable that you immediately consult your doctor if this happens.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can be similar to the flu.

Many claim that rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are very similar to flu. You will experience weight loss, fatigue, lethargy, loss of appetite, slight fever, and even colds. However, instead of having a full blown flu, you will feel painful joints that never seem to go away. You may relieve it with pain killers but that does not exactly cure it.

At first, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are so undifferentiated from other symptoms that you might think you’re just suffering from ordinary fatigue. But as the pain increases, and as the joints and the nodules suffer from pain too, it’s unmistakable what you’ve got.

One can still lead a productive life even with RA. However rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are the body’s warning sign that something is wrong, so consult a doctor and follow his advice.