What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

The symptomatology of rheumatoid arthritis manifests differently, depending on the individual. There may be long periods of inactivity or remission in the patient and no symptoms will manifest while in others the symptoms will flare up and plague the patient for months.

While rheumatoid arthritis can affect different parts of the body – such as the heart, lungs, even blood – it is the joints in which the symptoms are the most acute. In most rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, the hands are affected almost universally although any joint can be affected, such as the wrists, neck, shoulders, jaw, knees and elbows. Joint inflammation peaks and thus the following symptoms manifest:

Pain: Joint inflammation creates tenderness and sensitivity in the area and as the inflammation increases it causes pain.

Stiffness: The patient will experience a limited range of motion, which has been characterized as morning stiffness. This stiffness can last an hour to several hours before the joint becomes sufficiently limber for movement.

Swelling: Due to the inflammation of the joint, fluid builds up and it in turn becomes puffy which results in stiffness.

Redness: The skin around the joint will take on a pink or red shade while the flesh itself will become warm to the touch.

Fatigue: A distinct feeling of exhaustion or lack of energy which usually manifests as a lack of physical strength in which daily chores and activities become a difficult.

Nodules: These are bumps under the skin that most often manifest on the elbows of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and can sometimes be painful.

Lung problems: Commonly rheumatoid arthritis can damage or inflame the lung lining of the patient which causes shortness of breath.

Hoarseness: Rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes inflames the cricoarytenoid joint of the larynx – or voice box – which cause the hoarseness in the patient.

Eye problems: Rarely the eyes will be affected. Specialists have said that less than five percent of all rheumatoid arthritis patients manifest eye problems. The symptomatology is usually redness, painful movements of the eye, and dryness.

Heart problems: Rheumatoid arthritis can irritate the lining around the heart, causing inflammation. Usually no symptoms develop but in some cases chest pain and shortness of breath can manifest, including clogged arteries which may lead to a heart attack.

What are the complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis?

The complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis are destructive and can, if untreated, cripple the patient. However, there have been recent advances in the science surrounding rheumatoid arthritis and certain drugs have been developed that can combat the degenerative and crippling affects, even halting the symptoms progress.

The main cause of joint damage with rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation. When joint inflammation is active, several substances are released including tumor necrosis factor, which scientists believe contributes to the joint damage by bone and cartridge destruction.