Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain and damage throughout the body. This joint damage caused by RA usually occurs on both sides of the body. Basically, if a joint is affected in one of your arms or legs, the same joint in the other arm or leg will probably be affected, too. With this, doctors are able to distinguish RA from other forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis (bone arthritis). The treatment works better when RA is diagnosed early so it's important to learn the signs and symptoms. Please read on to know all about Rheumatoid arthritis.
SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS: RA is a chronic disease marked by symptoms of inflammation and pain in the joints. These symptoms and signs occur during periods known as flares or exacerbations. Other times are known as periods of remission (this is when symptoms disappear completely.)
The joint symptoms of RA include:
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Joint swelling
- Loss of Joint function and deformities
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. It’s important not to ignore your symptoms, even if they come and go. Knowing the early signs of RA will help you and your healthcare provider better treat and manage it.