Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the lining of the joints. It typically starts slowly with slight discomfort and progresses over weeks or months.
Symptoms vary, and sufferers experience a cycle of remission and flare-ups.
But how do you know if your loved one is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis? The following symptoms are early warning signs:
Fatigue.
This is typically the first symptom that appears. The fatigue might come in waves and last for days or weeks at a time, and be accompanied by a general feeling of malaise.
Waking up feeling stiff and sore.
The soreness can last from a few minutes to several hours. The stiffness might also be present after sitting for a long period or napping.
Joint stiffness.
This stiffness typically starts in the joints of the hands, can come on quickly, and can happen anytime — day or night.
Joint tenderness.
This can appear while resting or moving. Tenderness will appear on both sides of the body and typically starts in the wrists and fingers, progressing to the feet, ankles, shoulders and knees.
Inflammation of the joints.
The swelling is often visibly present. The swelling also can make the joints feel warm to the touch.
A low-grade fever.
This symptom is typically associated with other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Nerve sensitivity.
The increased pressure on the nerves can create a sensation of numbness, burning and tingling and also might cause a squeaking or cracking noise.
A reduced range of motion.
As the rheumatoid arthritis progresses, it might become difficult to bend or straighten joints because of inflammation.
Source: http://www.timesdispatch.com/entertainment-life/modern-aging-early-warning-signs-of-arthritis/article_691a8322-5d24-591d-99ef-28f16edef693.html
Symptoms vary, and sufferers experience a cycle of remission and flare-ups.
But how do you know if your loved one is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis? The following symptoms are early warning signs:
Fatigue.
This is typically the first symptom that appears. The fatigue might come in waves and last for days or weeks at a time, and be accompanied by a general feeling of malaise.
Waking up feeling stiff and sore.
The soreness can last from a few minutes to several hours. The stiffness might also be present after sitting for a long period or napping.
Joint stiffness.
This stiffness typically starts in the joints of the hands, can come on quickly, and can happen anytime — day or night.
Joint tenderness.
This can appear while resting or moving. Tenderness will appear on both sides of the body and typically starts in the wrists and fingers, progressing to the feet, ankles, shoulders and knees.
Inflammation of the joints.
The swelling is often visibly present. The swelling also can make the joints feel warm to the touch.
A low-grade fever.
This symptom is typically associated with other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Nerve sensitivity.
The increased pressure on the nerves can create a sensation of numbness, burning and tingling and also might cause a squeaking or cracking noise.
A reduced range of motion.
As the rheumatoid arthritis progresses, it might become difficult to bend or straighten joints because of inflammation.
Source: http://www.timesdispatch.com/entertainment-life/modern-aging-early-warning-signs-of-arthritis/article_691a8322-5d24-591d-99ef-28f16edef693.html
