Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may occur spasmodically. The signs usually start with discomfort and swelling in wrists, fingers or the balls of the feet together with stiffness upon waking.

To arrive at a diagnosis of OA your doctor will undertake a physical examination of the affected joint.

He/she will be looking for-

• Any resricted movement.
• Excess fluid around the joint.
• Any thinning of the surrounding muscle.
• Any bony swelling around the joint.
• "Creaking" when the joint is moved.
• Any instability of the joint.

• Pain and swelling especially in the smaller joints of the feet and hands
• Periods of fatigue which gets worse during a flare-up
• Aching and stiffness in the affected joints after priods of rest and sleep
• Loss of strength in the muscles surrounding the affected joint
• Low grade fever
• Lack of appetite
• Restricted motion in the affected joints
• Deformity of joints over time
• A general feeling of being unwell
• Numbness and tingling in the hands
• Anaemia.

Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflamation of salivary and tear glands, the linings of the heart and lung and the lung itself.

Rheumatoid nodules, lumps which can range in size from as small as a pea to as big as a walnut, can occur at elbows, feet, hands and achilles tendons. They can also occur on the back of the scalp, over the knee and in the lungs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is generally charcterised by periods of remission interspersed with flare ups.

In approx 20% of cases the onset of RA is very rapid whith a sudden onset of pain and swelling in a lot of joints.

Because early treatment is most effective, it is essential that people see their doctor as soon as symptoms occur.

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