{"id":91,"date":"2018-01-08T05:57:28","date_gmt":"2018-01-08T05:57:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=91"},"modified":"2021-10-06T06:56:37","modified_gmt":"2021-10-06T06:56:37","slug":"9-common-rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/9-common-rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious inflammatory condition that causes swelling, pain, and loss of mobility in the affected joints. This comes in a number of different forms and can have a range of different symptoms and causes depending on the specific case, the individual, and the area affected. In the specific case of rheumatoid arthritis, the condition is caused by the body\u2019s own immune system (it is an \u2018autoimmune condition\u2019) and that means that it is the result of the body\u2019s own system attacking itself. What\u2019s currently unknown is what causes this to happen in some individuals and not others.<\/p>\n

This is a potentially life-changing condition that can make it harder to enjoy a range of activities and often results in chronic pain.<\/p>\n

But what many people don\u2019t realize is that there are also many other common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis \u2013 some of which may not be as obviously related. If you suspect you may be developing the condition, read on for a list of 9 possible signs.<\/p>\n

1. Joint Pain<\/h3>\n

Of course, the most obvious symptom of rheumatoid arthritis<\/a> is a pain in the joints. There are specific areas of the body that are more likely to be affected and these include the fingers, the toes, the elbows, the knees, and other joints that are used frequently. Pain in the balls of the feet is also fairly common.<\/p>\n

This joint pain is often also associated with swelling. It may come on slowly at first and only be noticeable as mild discomfort, to begin with. In other cases, it can be quite severe. Of course, there are also many other potential causes for joint pain, ranging from muscle and joint injuries to hairline fractures. Generally, if you experience frequent pain and swelling lasting more than half an hour, it is advisable to see your physician.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Stiffness<\/h3>\n

Stiffness is also commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis and many other forms of arthritis. You may notice that it is harder to move the joint, that it moves more slowly, or that you feel some resistance when trying to move it. This can end up having an impact on many of your regular activities, making things like typing, playing the piano, walking, running, or swimming more difficult.<\/p>\n

Again, there can be other causes for stiff joints<\/a> and so it is important to always consider the different symptoms together rather than looking at them in an isolated fashion.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Deformity<\/h3>\n

The mild deformity<\/a> of the joints and surrounding area might also be noticeable. For instance, it is common to find that one finger is crooked and pointing the wrong way, or that the knee has developed an unusual growth or lump (this often occurs just behind the knee).<\/p>\n

It may be that this is the first sign that something is wrong with your joints and that malformation could also potentially make moving and using the joint more difficult.<\/p>\n

The lumps are known as rheumatoid arthritis \u2018nodules\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Anemia<\/h3>\n

What may come as a surprise to some is just how much rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other aspects of their health. This isn\u2019t a condition that only causes joint pain \u2013 not by a long shot!<\/p>\n

One slightly more surprising side effect of rheumatoid arthritis for instance is anemia<\/a>. This is a condition that causes an individual to produce fewer red blood cells, normally due to either a vitamin B12 or iron deficiency. This then causes that person to feel tired and lethargic and they may also notice that their skin becomes a slightly paler complexion or that they look pale under the eyes and the nails.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Flu-like Symptoms<\/h3>\n

As an autoimmune condition, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body\u2019s immune system<\/a> attacking itself, which leads to the swelling and the pain.<\/p>\n

At the same time, this can also lead to symptoms similar to the flu or an infection: tiredness, low energy, temperature changes, and more. To understand this, it helps to recognize that the immune system is actually what causes these symptoms when we are suffering from a cold as well.<\/p>\n

Colds and flu themselves don\u2019t actually have \u2018symptoms\u2019 as such. The symptoms are caused by our own immune system fighting to remove the virus\/bacteria: and this is also what happens when you have an infection.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Brain Fog\/Depression<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve already seen two ways in which rheumatoid arthritis might lead to low energy and low mood. Low iron means that you will get less blood and less energy and oxygen to the brain. At the same time, the flu-like symptoms leave you feeling tired, lethargic<\/a>, and potentially depressed.<\/p>\n

And then on top of this is the inflammation itself. Inflammation is at least partly controlled by the production of \u2018pro-inflammatory cytokines\u2019. These don\u2019t only act on the body though, they also work as neurotransmitters to affect the way we think: which in turn can lead to depression and difficulty concentrating.<\/p>\n

This is why we get brain fog when we feel ill as well!<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Irritability<\/h3>\n

As well as feeling depressed, arthritis can also cause you to feel irritable and bad-tempered. Again, this is partly due to chemical changes brought on by inflammation and infection.<\/p>\n

At the same time though, you might also notice that you feel more easily frustrated due to the chronic pain.<\/a> Chronic pain has a way of causing frustration and in fact, there is a link between pain-causing neurotransmitters and anger.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Poor Sleep<\/h3>\n

Another indirect result of rheumatoid arthritis is that it can cause poor sleep. Due to discomfort, temperature changes, hormonal changes, and more, you can find yourself tossing and turning more than normal.<\/p>\n

This can in turn cause a range of further side effects and exacerbate some of those we\u2019ve already encountered on this list: including depression<\/a>, difficulty concentrating, poor energy, and more.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Worsening Symptoms<\/h3>\n

With rheumatoid arthritis, the condition tends to develop quickly, though it might also be worse at specific times of the day.<\/p>\n

You will likely start by noticing that you are very stiff and sore in the mornings. From there, you may notice that you find a number of tasks more difficult \u2013 which may include \u2018simple\u2019 things such as zipping up a coat or holding a pencil.<\/p>\n

One of the ways you can identify rheumatoid arthritis in particular though is that the symptoms tend to come on very quickly. Many people will find that their condition significantly worsens in a short space of time. If on the other hand, you notice that one area is only slightly stiffer or less comfortable, this is possibly due to another form of arthritis<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious inflammatory condition that causes swelling, pain, and loss of mobility in the affected joints. This comes in a number of different forms and can have a range of different symptoms and causes depending on the specific case, the individual, and the area affected. In the specific case of rheumatoid arthritis, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":94,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n9 Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"9 Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious inflammatory condition that causes swelling, pain, and loss of mobility in the affected joints. 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