Tender or swollen joints that are warm to the touch show as one of the first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms present in symmetrical patterns and often in the smaller joints of hands and fingers. Swelling and stiffness of joints occur most commonly in the morning and after periods of inactivity and generally last thirty minutes or longer. Inflammation may also appear in the neck, shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet.
Other symptoms common to rheumatoid arthritis include fatigue and an overall feeling of being unwell. Because RA is an inflammatory disease symptoms may include low grade fever and loss of appetite. RA can affect the muscles and tendons causing sore or tight muscles and pain during movement. RA can also affect other areas of the body such as organs, blood vessels, and skin (nodules). Once rheumatoid arthritis symptoms appear they may last many years; or they may appear and then disappear, reappearing again later on.
Rheumatoid arthritis varies with individuals so you may see some or all of these symptoms. Each case varies in intensity and some people develop symptoms slowly over several years while in others the symptoms develop rapidly over just a few months.
Symptoms should be evaluated by a physician and tests run to determine if these symptoms are caused by Rheumatoid arthritis or another related disease. Early detection and treatment can prevent damage to the joints, cartilage, bone, and muscles and tendons surrounding the affected joints. Without treatment damage can lead to loss of function of the joints.