Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
The Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are symptoms that can last for a very long time and different people have different ways of reacting or observing this. This symptoms can come and go at different times based on individuals. Some individuals have no signs of pain or any other symptom for that matter, but for some reason, others who have it don’t feel anything. If or when you start feeling symptoms, it is advised you seek treatment.
When It’s in Your Joints
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can affect joints and make them inflamed. Some signs include:
• Stiffness. The joint would become stiffer and less effective. Pain is often felt in the joints, especially in the morning hours. Stiff joints are actually felt by people with other types of Arthritis however, those with Rheumatoid Arthritis have their morning joint stiffness last for up to an hour longer before they can make use of their joints.
• Swelling. The joint becomes puffy as a result of fluid entering it.
• Pain. A joint becomes tender and extra sensitive as a result of inflammation in the joint.
• Redness and warmth. The skin tone may be different from the surrounding skin. It may become lighter or pink or even reddish at the exact point where the inflammation is present.
Any part of the body can be affected by RA, including the hips, feet, elbows, shoulders, neck, knees and even jaws although, it is almost always occurs in the hands. There is usually a symmetrical outline and affects the 2 joints of both sides such as wrists or hips etc.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms That Affect the Entire Body
Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t just affect the joints. It can have other effects such as:
• Muscle aches
• Less appetite than normal, which can lead to weight loss
• Sickness
• Fatigue
People often see as the flu although the symptoms last longer and are often not as severe as that of flu.
Rheumatoid nodules look like a bump under the skin and often seen in the elbow and can be really painful. They are some of the symptoms of RA and are observed by certain individuals.
RA can affect your lungs. The lungs and its surrounding lining can be severely affected by the inflammation and it could lead to serious damage. Your doctor will have to prescribe drugs if you feel shortness of breath.
More so, the lining around the heart can also be affected and if at any time, you feel shortness of breath, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
About less than 5% of people with RA often experience dry, painful or red eyes.
For additional information on Rheumatoid Arthritis visit the Mayo Clinic Rheumatoid Arthritis webpage.
Rx Oasis and Pharmacists can help with advise with care advise for RA patients as well as fill all your prescription treatments for RA from Plaquenil to Methotrexate (MTX) to biologicals such as Humira to Enbrel.
