Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be divided into three main categories: joint symptoms, systemic symptoms (those affecting the whole body) and symptoms affecting other organs.
Joint symptoms
The most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is painful, stiff, swollen joints. It usually develops gradually in joints on both sides of the body, often affecting the small joints of the hands or feet first. Other joints that may be affected are:
- neck
- wrists
- elbows
- shoulders
- ankles
- knees
The pain of rheumatoid arthritis is described as deep and aching. It is usually at its worst after periods of rest (e.g. first thing in the morning) and may improve by gently moving the joint. The pain often occurs at night, disrupting sleep.
Affected joints feel stiff, particularly in the morning. The stiffness can last for several hours after getting up. This is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis and helps distinguish it from osteoarthritis.
The inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis causes the affected joints to become swollen, red and hot. As the disease progresses, cartilage and bone are destroyed, limiting the movement of the joint and leading to deformities.
