Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes the immune system to attack the joints.  This is an abnormal auto-immune response of the body and it can lead to permanent, painful changes in the joints.

What Are The Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

One of the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be pains in your joints.  Symptoms can however develop slowly, they can building up gradually over a period of weeks or months, or with a sudden severe attack of flu-like symptoms. 

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis tend to vary from person to person, with some experiencing only mild symptoms of joint inflammation.  With others though Rheumatoid Arthritis can be continually active and progress over time.  You could find that you feel tired and weak, have a low-grade fever, and even notice weight loss, but the main symptom will be pain in your joints. 

One of the main tell tale signs that you need Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief is morning stiffness that lasts for at least an hour and usually more.

There are also other symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis as follows:

Swelling and Pain
A diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis is only usually made after Inflammation and pain in the joints has been present for at least six weeks.  Once the joints have become inflamed, they are usually swollen and can often also feel watery to the touch.  The pain can be worse on your predominant side.

Specific Joints Affected
Rheumatoid arthritis will nearly always develops in the wrists and knuckles, although it is also quite common for the knees and the joints of the ball of the foot to be affected too.  Many joints may be involved, and this can even cause the spine to become misaligned. Joints at the base of the fingers are often very painful. 

Appearance of Nodules
Once Although they can show up anywhere, they are often located near the elbow and are quite small, roughly the size of a pea or maybe slightly larger. These  do not often become sore or infected, but when they are located in areas where stress occurs, such as knees and ankles they can do.  Rarely nodules can indicate the presence of rheumatoid vasculitis, which is a condition that can affect blood vessels in the lungs, kidneys, and other organs.

Buildup of Fluid
You may experience a build up of fluid, especially in the ankles.  Sometimes fluid can build up behind the knee and form what is known as a Baker cyst.  The cyst feels like a tumor and sometimes extends down the back of the calf which can cause pain.

Flu-Like Symptoms
Tiredness, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss, as well as fever can e early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.  These can at first seem similar to what you would experience with a cold or flu, but the main difference is that  these symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can last for years.

All of the above symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis should be taken seriously, and early detection of the disease can prevent damage or deformity of the joints.  If you suspect you or someone you love may have Rheumatoid Arthritis, then you shouldconsult your doctor immediately.