What are the common sign and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:

– Tender, warm, swollen joints: The inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis can cause painful swelling in the joints, making them tender and warm to the touch.
– Joint stiffness: People with rheumatoid arthritis may experience stiffness in the joints, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
– Fatigue: Rheumatoid arthritis can cause fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.
– Fever: Some people with rheumatoid arthritis may experience a low-grade fever.
– Loss of appetite: Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a loss of appetite and weight loss.

Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect smaller joints first, particularly the joints that attach your fingers to your hands and your toes to your feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms occur in the same joints on both sides of your body. About 40% of people who have rheumatoid arthritis also experience signs and symptoms that don’t involve the joints. Areas that may be affected include the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, salivary glands, nerve tissue, bone marrow, and blood vessels.