Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Every single human being is at risk of having Rheumatoid Arthritis, regardless of our age, gender, or status in life and the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be observed carefully if we have the basic knowledge of how they manifest or how they are experienced by someone who has this condition. We must be aware that Rheumatoid Arthritis is considered a chronic condition, and its symptoms may occur “on and off” which can affect each individual at different levels.
Others may have the symptoms only through some triggering events, while others may dwell with such a condition almost on a constant basis, or even every day of their lives.
Affects on the Body
Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect different parts of the human body, but the parts that are most affected are the joints. At the onset of this condition, the joints affected may get inflamed.
Symptons of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Although inflammation is considered as our defense against infection, it is not so in rheumatoid arthritis because such inflammation occurs for no known etiology.
What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Many, if not all, of the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are similar to those of the other types of arthritic conditions and this may sometimes cause a little confusion to those who have limited knowledge of the particular symptoms of each disease entity.
We must be aware that the hallmark symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis is the morning stiffness that is experienced for at least one hour from the moment one wakes from his or her sleep. This morning stiffness may be misconstrued as a symptom of Osteoarthritis, but it would be helpful to know that the morning stiffness in Osteoarthritis is only experienced for about 30 minutes from the time one awakens, as compared to one hour in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
How long do the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis last?
The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include joint pain, joint stiffness, as well as warmth and redness around the joint. The joint pain is usually described as a throbbing and aching type of pain, which is usually at its peak during the morning and while you are not performing any physical activity or even while you are resting.
The stiffness, as mentioned earlier, could last for about an hour, in contrast to that in Osteoarthritis, which is only of a half an hour duration. With regard to the warmth and redness, these are manifested basically because the joint lining becomes inflamed. Such inflammation results in swelling, increase in the temperature of the joint, tenderness or pain even when one is at rest.
Not many know that aside from the fact that Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the joints, this condition can also cause inflammation of other parts of the body such as the salivary and tear glands, the blood vessels, or even the linings of your heart and lungs.
Other Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Aside from the major symptoms that were mentioned, the individual suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis may also experience some other indicators, such as loss of appetite that may lead to weight loss. He can also experience fatigue or may feel ill during the day. Other than that, most individuals may have muscle aches too.
If you experience a few of the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, then it would be appropriate that you immediately consult your primary treating physician for a proper assessment and evaluation of the symptoms.