Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness. It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes, lungs, skin, and blood vessels.

RA is a progressive disease that can lead to disability if left untreated. Here are 30 signs that may indicate you have rheumatoid arthritis:.

1. Joint pain and stiffness

The most common symptom of RA is joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The pain may be felt in one or more joints, and it may be localized or diffuse.

The stiffness may last for hours and may make it difficult to move the affected joint.

2. Swelling

RA can cause swelling around the joints, making them feel puffy and tender to the touch. The swelling may be accompanied by warmth and redness in the affected area.

3. Joint deformity

Over time, RA can cause the joints to become deformed, especially in the hands and feet. The joints may become twisted, crooked, or enlarged, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

4. Fatigue

RA can cause fatigue, which is a feeling of exhaustion or tiredness that is not relieved by rest. The fatigue may be caused by inflammation in the body or by the stress of living with a chronic illness.

5. Fever

Some people with RA may experience fever, which is an elevated body temperature above the normal range. Fever may be a sign of an infection or inflammation in the body.

6. Weight loss

RA can cause weight loss, which is a decrease in body weight that is not intentional. Weight loss may occur due to a loss of appetite or increased metabolic rate caused by inflammation in the body.

7. Skin rash

RA can cause a skin rash, which is a change in the color, texture, or appearance of the skin. The rash may be red, itchy, scaly, or blistered, and it may be located around the joints or other parts of the body.

8. Dry eyes and mouth

RA can cause dry eyes and mouth, which is a condition known as Sjogren’s syndrome. The dryness may cause a burning or itching sensation, and it may increase the risk of infections in the eyes and mouth.

9. Chest pain

RA can cause chest pain, which is a feeling of discomfort or pressure in the chest. Chest pain may be caused by inflammation in the lungs or heart, or by the stress of living with a chronic illness.

10. Shortness of breath

Some people with RA may experience shortness of breath, which is a feeling of difficulty breathing or a sensation of not getting enough air.

Shortness of breath may be caused by inflammation in the lungs or heart, or by the stress of living with a chronic illness.

11. Numbness and tingling

RA can cause numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, which is a symptom known as peripheral neuropathy. The numbness may be accompanied by a burning or prickling sensation, and it may interfere with normal activities.

12. Weakness

RA can cause weakness or easy fatigue, which is a feeling of declining physical strength or endurance. Weakness may be caused by inflammation in the muscles, or by the stress of living with a chronic illness.

13. Joint warmth

RA can cause warmth around the joints, making them feel hot to the touch. The warmth may be accompanied by redness and swelling in the affected area.

14. Joint stiffness after sitting

People with RA may experience joint stiffness after sitting for prolonged periods, such as during a long car ride or a flight. The stiffness may make it difficult to stand up or move the affected joint.

15. Joint locking

RA can cause joint locking, which is a sensation of the joint getting stuck in a certain position. Joint locking may be caused by inflammation, joint damage, or deformity.

16. Joint clicking

RA can cause joint clicking, which is a popping or cracking sound that occurs when the joint moves. Joint clicking may be caused by inflammation, joint damage, or deformity.

17. Joint instability

RA can cause joint instability, which is a feeling that the joint is loose or wobbly. Joint instability may be caused by joint damage, deformity, or weakness in the muscles supporting the joint.

18. Reduced mobility

RA can cause reduced mobility, which is a limitation in the range of motion of the affected joint. Reduced mobility may be caused by inflammation, joint damage, or deformity.

19. Difficulty with grip

RA can cause difficulty with grip strength, which is a decrease in the ability to grip or hold objects. Difficulty with grip may be caused by joint damage or weakness in the muscles supporting the hand.

20. Pain with pressure

RA can cause pain with pressure, which is a feeling of discomfort or tenderness when pressure is applied to the affected joint. Pain with pressure may be a sign of inflammation or joint damage.

21. Low-grade fever

People with RA may experience a low-grade fever, which is a body temperature slightly above normal range. Low-grade fever may be caused by inflammation in the body or by a secondary infection.

22. Pain in multiple joints

RA can cause pain in multiple joints, not just in one specific location. The pain may be symmetrical, meaning it affects the same joints on both sides of the body.

23. Pain that gets worse with activity

RA can cause pain that gets worse with activity, such as walking or standing for prolonged periods. The pain may be relieved by rest or by using the affected joint in a different way.

24. Pain that gets worse in the morning

RA can cause pain that gets worse in the morning, especially when getting out of bed. The pain may improve after a warm shower or by using gentle joint exercises.

25. Flu-like symptoms

RA can cause flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Flu-like symptoms may be caused by inflammation in the body or by a secondary infection.

26. Eye pain and redness

RA can cause eye pain and redness, which may be a sign of inflammation in the eye. Eye pain and redness may increase the risk of vision problems if left untreated.

27. Neck pain

RA can cause neck pain, which is a feeling of discomfort or stiffness in the neck. Neck pain may be caused by inflammation in the cervical spine, or by the stress of living with a chronic illness.

28. Foot pain

RA can cause foot pain, which may be felt in the toes, the arch of the foot, or the ankle. Foot pain may be caused by joint damage or inflammation in the foot.

29. Hand pain

RA can cause hand pain, which may be felt in the fingers, the wrist, or the knuckles. Hand pain may be caused by joint damage or inflammation in the hand.

30. Fatigue after exercise

People with RA may experience fatigue after exercise, which is a feeling of exhaustion or tiredness that occurs after physical activity. Fatigue after exercise may be caused by inflammation in the body or by the stress of living with a chronic illness.