Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints. It is a debilitating condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, leading to restricted movement and even disability.

While there are many common symptoms of RA, such as joint pain or swelling, some symptoms are often ignored or overlooked. In this article, we will look at uncommon signs of rheumatoid arthritis that you should be aware of.

1. Lung Involvement

While RA is mainly known for its effects on the joints, it can also affect other parts of the body. In some cases, it can cause inflammation of the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue.

This condition is known as rheumatoid lung or interstitial lung disease and can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you experience any breathing difficulties or chest pain, consult your doctor immediately.

2. Eye Inflammation

RA can also cause inflammation of the eyes, leading to redness, pain, and sensitivity to light. This condition is known as scleritis or uveitis and can cause loss of vision if not treated promptly.

If you notice any changes in your vision or eye pain, see an ophthalmologist immediately.

3. Numbness or Tingling in the Hands and Feet

Some people with RA may experience numbness or tingling in their hands or feet, which can be a sign of nerve damage. This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy and can lead to weakness, loss of sensation, and muscle wasting.

If you experience any numbness or tingling, consult your doctor immediately.

4. Skin Rash

In some cases, RA can cause skin rashes or nodules. These can appear as small, raised bumps or patches on the skin and can be painful or itchy. This condition is known as rheumatoid nodules or dermatitis and can be a sign of more severe inflammation.

If you notice any skin changes, consult your doctor immediately.

5. Dry Eyes and Mouth

Sometimes, RA can cause dry eyes and mouth due to inflammation of the tear and saliva glands. This condition is known as Sjogren’s syndrome and can cause a burning or gritty sensation in the eyes, difficulty swallowing, and drying of the skin.

Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

6. Fatigue and Depression

RA can cause fatigue and depression, affecting your overall quality of life. These symptoms can be due to chronic pain, inflammation, and the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition.

If you experience persistent fatigue or depression, consult your doctor or a mental health professional.

7. Fever and Weight Loss

While these symptoms are not uncommon, they can be overlooked in the context of RA. Fever and weight loss can be a sign of more severe inflammation or infection, which can exacerbate RA symptoms.

If you experience persistent fever or weight loss, consult your doctor immediately.

8. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

RA can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and wrists.

This is due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which can lead to muscle wasting and difficulty performing simple tasks. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor.

9. Anemia

RA can cause anemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness, affecting your overall quality of life.

If you experience persistent fatigue or weakness, consult your doctor.

10. Joint Deformity

While joint pain and swelling are common symptoms of RA, joint deformity is often overlooked. RA can cause damage to the joints, leading to deformity, restricted movement, and disability.

If you notice any changes in your joints, consult your doctor immediately to prevent further damage.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, debilitating condition that can affect various parts of the body, not just the joints.

It is important to be aware of uncommon signs of RA, such as lung involvement, eye inflammation, numbness or tingling, skin rash, dry eyes and mouth, fatigue, fever, carpal tunnel syndrome, anemia, and joint deformity. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately to prevent further damage and improve your quality of life.