Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, which is the lining of the joints. This leads to inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the affected joint(s).

While rheumatoid arthritis typically affects the joints in the hands, wrists, and feet, it can also affect other joints in the body. Early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can prevent or slow down joint damage and improve quality of life.

Here are 16 early signs of rheumatoid arthritis to look out for:.

1. Joint Pain

Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The pain is usually felt in the joints of the hands, wrists, and feet, and it is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

2. Joint Stiffness

Joint stiffness is another common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. The stiffness is usually worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity, and it may last for several hours.

3. Joint Swelling

Joint swelling is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. The swelling is usually seen in the joints of the hands, wrists, and feet, and it may be accompanied by redness and warmth in the affected joint(s).

4. Joint Warmth

Joint warmth is another common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. The affected joint(s) may feel warm to the touch, and the warmth may be accompanied by redness and swelling.

5. Joint Redness

Joint redness is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. The affected joint(s) may be red and warm to the touch, and the redness may be accompanied by swelling and pain.

6. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. The fatigue may be caused by the inflammation and pain in the affected joint(s), as well as by the body’s immune response to the disease.

7. Fever

Fever is a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can occur in some people with the disease. The fever may be low grade and intermittent.

8. Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite is a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can occur in some people with the disease.

The loss of appetite may be caused by the inflammation and pain in the affected joint(s), as well as by the body’s immune response to the disease.

9. Weight Loss

Weight loss is a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can occur in some people with the disease. The weight loss may be caused by the loss of appetite and the body’s immune response to the disease.

10. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but they can occur in some people with the disease. The dryness may be caused by the inflammation and immune response in the body.

11. Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can occur in some people with the disease. The dryness may be caused by the inflammation and immune response in the body, as well as by medications used to treat the disease.

12. Chest Pain

Chest pain is a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can occur in some people with the disease. The chest pain may be caused by inflammation of the lining around the heart or lungs.

13. Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can occur in some people with the disease. The shortness of breath may be caused by inflammation of the lining around the heart or lungs.

14. Numbness and Tingling

Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are less common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but they can occur in some people with the disease. These symptoms may be caused by nerve compression due to inflammation or joint damage.

15. Headaches

Headaches are a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but they can occur in some people with the disease. These headaches may be caused by inflammation or the body’s immune response to the disease.

16. Depression

Depression is a less common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can occur in some people with the disease. The depression may be caused by the chronic pain, disability, and social isolation that can result from the disease.

Overall, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can help improve outcomes and prevent joint damage.