Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

A joint is defined as a point of contact between two different bones. This is the place where two bones connect with each other. At the end of the bones lies a cartilage, a tough elastic tissue that prevents friction between bones. The joints are susceptible to a wide range of problems and one of them is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Unlike other types of arthritis, RA does not directly affect the joints. RA causes inflammation of thin membrane (synovium) that is around the joint. This is a progressive disorder and the condition proceeds in phases. During the first phase, the synovium (joint lining) suffers from swelling. As a result the joint become stiff and causes pain during movement. In the next phase, slow deterioration of the cartilage and the bone begins and eventually the shape and size of the joint changes (joint deformity). RA is not an age related disorder, as it can occur in children and youngsters alike. Basically, it is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system goes 'wild' and invades its own body tissues.

Symptoms

Studies show that joints of the hands and feet are the ones that are affected with rheumatoid arthritis. However, initially, symptoms do not necessarily indicate existence of RA but as the condition progresses, the person soon starts experiencing joint problems. It is discussed below:

Fatigue
Early symptoms of this form of arthritis can manifest in the form of excessive tiredness. Fatigue associated with RA simply does not diminish even after taking considerable amount of rest. It is persistent that gives a feeling of low energy levels.

Poor Appetite
Appetite loss or decreased appetite, meaning no interest in having food is also reported in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Initially, children may also suffer from pink rash, fever, shivering, and is later followed by joint pain and inflammation.

Joint Stiffness
The onset of RA begins with muscle pain and joint stiffness in the morning. This being the initial stage of the disease, the morning stiffness subsides significantly, or disappears completely after 3 to 5 hours. This morning stiffness is usually associated with the hands and the feet. This stiffness restricts movement and so during this period it can be difficult to continue with mundane routine tasks.

Inflamed Joints
Pain and inflammation of tissues that are around the joint is a distinct feature of RA. The swelling of the lining of the joints makes them red and painful. This is followed by trouble moving the affected joints. It is observed that joint pain and inflammation, in RA, never affects just one hand or foot. So, if one hand or leg is affected with rheumatoid arthritis, the other one won't be spared and would soon develop joint problems. With joints becoming stiff and inflamed, going up and down the stairs no longer remains simple. Daily routine tasks like visiting a market place or lifting a grocery bag can also trigger joint pain.

Rheumatoid Nodules
As the disease advances, the patient may show development of rheumatoid nodules. Rheumatoid nodules refers to localized swelling that appear as lumps under the skin. However, these small lumps are not seen in every person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Reports suggest that only ¼ th of the patients complain about these skin lumps that are usually seen on the arm and the elbow.

Joint Deformity
In later stages of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the lining of the joints, starts causing damage to the nearby cartilage and bone. The joint connecting these bones also get deformed, which means they lose their original shape, eventually causing complete destruction of joints.

As RA is an autoimmune disorder, the symptoms are no longer limited to the joints. When the immune system attacks the tissues of the body, its negative impact can also be noticed in other parts of the body. Following are the other symptoms of RA:

• Pleurisies (Inflammation of the thin serous membrane that surrounds the lungs)
• Pericarditis (Swelling of the thin serous membrane lining the heart)
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Dryness in mouth and eyes resulting from inflammation of the salivary and tear glands
• Itchy, burning sensation in the eyes
• Hoarseness in voice, due to formation of nodules on the vocal cord

The possibility of heart problems, especially heart attack increases in RA patients. Patients are also vulnerable to atherosclerosis, a condition that is typically marked by hardening of the arteries. Neglecting RA treatment may also lead to health complications like stroke and kidney problems. On the whole, rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, in the early stages, followed by correct treatment is the key to prevent worsening of this joint problem. Treatment is most effective when the disease is in its nascent stage. Although, it is not possible to prevent joint damage, timely treatment can certainly keep the joints from significant amount of deterioration. Thus, in spite of suffering from RA, quality of life won't be affected considerably, if treatment is implemented early, as per the guidelines of the doctor. The patients will be put on certain drugs that provide rheumatoid arthritis pain relief and will be advised to follow a RA diet. Besides taking these medications, a set of exercises will also be recommended in order to increase mobility of the joints. These exercises recommended for RA patients will help to improve the flexibility of the joints. Severe cases of RA can be treated with surgery wherein the damaged painful joint is replaced with a metal device. This is considered as a last resort, and advised only when other treatment options are unable to improve the joint condition.