Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that can affect various body parts.

It is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, primarily in the joints, resulting in inflammation, stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. RA can start at any age and can worsen over time if not treated early. As with many health conditions, early diagnosis is key to effectively managing symptoms and slowing down progression.

Here are 16 symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis that should not be ignored.

1. Joint Pain and Stiffness

One of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is joint pain and stiffness. The pain is often worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity. It can affect any joint, but typically occurs in the hands, wrists, feet, and knees.

Joint stiffness can last for hours, making it difficult to move the affected joint and resulting in a reduced range of motion.

2. Tender and Warm Joints

In addition to pain and stiffness, the affected joints may also be tender and warm to the touch. This is due to inflammation caused by the immune system attacking the synovial lining of the joint.

The inflammation can cause swelling, resulting in the joint feeling tender and warm.

3. Fatigue

RA can cause fatigue, which is different from normal tiredness. It is often described as feeling constant exhaustion, even after getting enough sleep. Fatigue can be caused by a combination of factors, such as pain, stress, and inflammation.

It can make it challenging to carry out everyday tasks and activities, affecting both work and social life.

4. Fever

A fever is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly during a flare-up. The fever is often low-grade, but it can lead to additional symptoms, such as sweating, chills, and weight loss.

A fever can also be a sign of an infection, so it is essential to seek medical attention if it persists.

5. Loss of Appetite

People with RA may experience a loss of appetite, which can result in unintentional weight loss. This is a common side effect of inflammation in the body and can also be caused by the medications used to treat RA.

It is important to maintain a healthy diet to avoid malnutrition and further health problems.

6. Joint Deformity

If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint deformity. The inflammation caused by RA can damage the bone and cartilage of the joint, causing it to change shape.

Joint deformities often occur in the hands and feet, resulting in a reduction in mobility and hand function.

7. Reduced Range of Motion

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a reduced range of motion in the affected joints. This can make it challenging to carry out everyday tasks such as getting dressed, bending down, and lifting objects.

The reduced range of motion is often due to joint stiffness, swelling, and pain.

8. Numbness and Tingling

RA can cause nerve compression, leading to numbness and tingling sensation in the limbs. This is particularly common in the hands and feet.

The numbness and tingling can be accompanied by pain and weakness, making it difficult to perform fine motor tasks such as buttoning clothes or handling small objects.

9. Eye Problems

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the eyes, resulting in dryness, redness, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.

These symptoms can be caused by inflammation in the tissues surrounding the eyes or by a secondary condition such as Sjogren’s syndrome, which often occurs along with RA.

10. Chest Pain

RA can cause inflammation around the heart and lungs, resulting in chest pain. The pain can be sharp and stabbing or a dull ache. Chest pain can also be a sign of a heart attack, so it is essential to seek medical attention if it occurs.

11. Shortness of Breath

Inflammation around the lungs can lead to shortness of breath, particularly during physical activity. The shortness of breath can be accompanied by a wheezing or coughing sound.

12. Skin Issues

People with RA may experience skin issues such as rashes, lumps, and ulcers. These symptoms are often due to inflammation in the skin and the formation of nodules under the skin.

Skin issues can occur anywhere on the body but are particularly common on the elbows, knees, and fingers.

13. Anemia

Anemia is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. It occurs when the body does not produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin.

14. Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition where the fingers and toes turn white or blue in response to cold temperatures or stress. The affected area may also feel numb or tingly.

People with RA are more likely to develop Raynaud’s phenomenon due to blood vessel changes caused by inflammation.

15. Mouth and Nose Ulcers

RA can cause inflammation in the mouth and nose, resulting in painful ulcers. The ulcers can make it difficult to eat, drink, and speak. They can also be a sign of a secondary condition such as Sjogren’s syndrome.

16. Joint Noise

Joints affected by RA may make noise when moving, such as cracking, popping, or grinding. The noise can be due to inflammation or damage to the cartilage and bone in the joint, resulting in reduced joint stability and function.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.