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Therapies Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Common RA Symptoms
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Joint Pain Medication
Natural Arthritis Treatments
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Common Symptoms for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Knowing the common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can help people to identify this disease in its early stages. Rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms usually include some- but not all- of the telltale signs. Most often, it begins with one or two common symptoms, and progresses over time. RA is an autoimmune disease, characterized by inflammation in the lining of the joints. It affects more than two million people between the ages of twenty and forty five. RA occurs in all races and ethnic groups, affecting two to three times as many women as men. Although the disease often begins in middle age, with increasing frequency in older people, it can develop in children and young adults, as well.

Common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis differ from person to person, and there is no single test for diagnosing the disease. Furthermore, the full range of symptoms develops overtime. Only a few symptoms may be present at the onset, making it difficult to detect rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms. Therefore, health care practitioners use a variety of methods to diagnose common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and rule out other conditions. Some things practitioners consider when diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms include: medical history, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and x-rays, (to determine the degree of joint destruction).

Once the patient is diagnosed with RA, it is imperative that he or she understands the disease. Early diagnosis, along with early aggressive treatment, can help people with RA live longer, healthier lives. In addition, the patient will experience less pain, joint damage, and permanent disability. Unfortunately, rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms are often difficult to diagnose because they can be similar to other health conditions, especially other forms of arthritis, such as fibromyalgia and lupus. In addition, anemia and thyroid disorders- which also cause fatigue- are common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis, as well. For these reasons, it is of great importance that patients and doctors communicate openly to keep each other well informed.

Daily joint pain is one of the most common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis. Most patients also experience some degree of depression, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. Some of the more common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis include: morning stiffness in and around the joints, at least three joint areas with simultaneous soft tissue swelling or fluid, and at least one swollen joint area, in the wrist, knuckle, or middle joint of the finger. The disease often affects the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand. Occasionally, RA affects other joints, such as the feet, ankles, shoulders, jaw, and elbows. Common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis- such as stiffness and swelling- must last for at least one hour before improving.

Joint pain occurring in the same joints on both sides of the body is another common symptom for rheumatoid arthritis; if one hand or knee is affected, the other one will be, as well. The symmetrical pattern of affected joints is one of the characteristics that distinguishes RA from other types of arthritis. Some less common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis involve other parts of the body. For some, RA is accompanied by neck pain, or dry eyes and mouth. A number of people with RA develop anemia, resulting from a lack of iron in the body, which ultimately causes fatigue. Although quite rare, some people may have inflammation in the lining of the lungs, the blood vessels, or the sac enclosing the heart.

Diagnosing the common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis and choosing treatment requires a team effort between the patient and several types of health care professionals. Although there is no cure for RA, there are a variety of approaches for treatment. Regardless of the treatment chosen, the goals are the same: to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, stop or slow down joint damage, and improve the patient's sense of well-being and ability to function. Open communication allows for the most effective treatment. Patient education and support groups are a great way to help people to become better informed about the common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis and more involved in their own care. Greater understanding cultivates greater control, allowing the patient to build a sense of confidence in his or her ability to lead a fulfilling, active, and independent life. With the right combination of these three elements, an RA patient ceases to suffer and begins to live.

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more than common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis on our Joint Pain home page