Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that targets the joints in the body. It mostly affects the small joints such as hands and feet, but larger joints can also be affected.

RA is a condition that progresses over time and can cause severe pain, swelling, and stiffness in affected joints. Many people with RA also experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Stiffness

One of the primary symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is joint stiffness. This is usually most severe in the morning or after inactivity.

People with RA may find it difficult to move the affected joints and may experience reduced flexibility in their range of motion. Joint stiffness may also occur throughout the day, particularly for people with more severe forms of RA.

Pain and inflammation

Another symptom of RA is joint pain and inflammation. The immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling and inflammation. This inflammation can cause the joints to feel warm and tender to the touch.

People with RA may also experience redness and warmth around the affected joints.

Fatigue

Many people with RA experience fatigue. This may be due to the overall inflammation that the condition causes.

Additionally, the chronic pain and stiffness that come with RA can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, which can lead to fatigue during the day.

Loss of appetite and weight loss

RA can also cause a loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss. This is usually due to the inflammation that the condition causes throughout the body.

When the immune system is in an ongoing state of inflammation, the body can begin to break down muscle and lose weight. In some cases, medications used to treat RA can also cause weight loss or other changes in appetite.

Fever

Some people with RA may also experience a low-grade fever. This is usually due to the body’s immune response to RA. When the immune system is activated to attack the joints, the body may also create a fever as part of its defense mechanisms.

Anemia

RA can also cause anemia, a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. This can cause fatigue and weakness. Anemia can also be a side effect of some medications used to treat RA.

Joint deformity

In severe cases of RA, the joint damage can cause deformity. The inflammation causes the tissues around the joint to thicken and harden, which can cause bone erosion and joint deformity.

In some cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary to regain function in the affected joint.

Numbness and tingling

RA can also cause numbness and tingling in the affected joints. This is usually due to nerve compression or damage caused by the inflammation in the joint. This can cause pain and weakness in the affected area, as well as a loss of sensation.

Dry eyes and mouth

Sometimes people with RA can also develop dry eyes and dry mouth. This is usually due to an autoimmune condition called Sjogren’s syndrome, which can occur alongside RA.

Sjogren’s syndrome can cause the glands that produce tears and saliva to stop working properly, leading to dry eyes and mouth.

Chest pain and shortness of breath

In rare cases, RA can cause inflammation in the lungs or lining around the heart. This can cause chest pain and shortness of breath, which can be alarming symptoms.

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor right away.