Millions of individuals all over the world struggle with rheumatoid arthritis on a daily basis. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the inflammation of the lining of the healthy joints such as the shoulders or knees.
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The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown, but it is believed to be linked to issues with the immune system. Even though there is no cure of this type of arthritis, a number of management measures can help deal with the symptoms. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to severely damaged joints that can cause loss of function, disability and pain that will surely affect the quality of life of the individual. Being familiar with the early warning indications of rheumatoid arthritis can help prevent the severity from further progressing.
Joint symptoms
If an individual has rheumatoid arthritis, he/she is likely to experience recurrent pain, stiffness or tenderness in the joints. These signs and symptoms are quite evident in the morning upon waking up or after extended episodes of sitting especially when working on desk jobs.
The individual might also notice that the joints appear swollen or the skin covering the joints looks reddish or inflamed. In some individuals, they may also experience muscle pain or difficulty in lifting items normally used on a daily basis. If the individual experiences frequent joint pain or stiffness, it is best to consult a doctor for proper assessment of the condition.
Flu-like symptoms
If an individual has rheumatoid arthritis, he/she can frequently experience symptoms similar to the flu. These symptoms include the following:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
Even though these flu-like symptoms might indicate a viral or bacterial infection, persistent or lengthy symptoms are more likely the outcome of generalized inflammation. If the individual experiences recurrent flu-like symptoms, he/she should not hesitate to see a doctor.
Eye and skin symptoms
The individual might experience symptoms linked with the eyes or skin if he/she has rheumatoid arthritis. Since this condition is considered as a systemic disease, the symptoms can manifest all over the body, not just within the joints.
Some individuals who have this disease might notice that the skin has a pale appearance. In addition, some individuals might end up with rheumatoid nodules that occur around the elbow joint. These nodules are small-sized, painless masses beneath the skin and can be used as a basis in determining the severity of the condition.
Those who have rheumatoid arthritis might also develop symptoms linked with the eyes such as burning sensation or itching of the eyes or recurrent discharge from the eyes. Some individuals might also experience dry eyes or which is called as Sjögren’s syndrome. It is important to note that this syndrome results to a reduction in the saliva or tear production.