Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes intense pain, restricted movement, and progressively crippling effects in hands, feet, hips, and many other parts of the body. It is a chronic disease because it occurs in flare ups that come and go but never disappear. No known cures for rheumatoid arthritis are known. However, many doctor-prescribed medicines help to reduce symptoms.
Over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also help lessen some symptoms such as swelling and pain. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis vary from person to person, however, there are some symptoms that many RA patients have in common:
1. Joint pain and inflammation
Pain is one of the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis. One symptom is painful swelling. The joint linings become inflamed. The area may become warm and swell. Over time the joint loses its stable footing and begins to disfigure the area affected. In the long-term, a person may lose functions of the fingers, feet, ankle and many places where there is a joint. This painful swelling makes it harder to use parts of the body where attacked. A patient may experience such pain that they may refrain from moving. This is normal to want to avoid pain, but this avoidance may cause loss of movements in the future. “Use it or lose it” is a common motto for arthritic patients.
2. Chronic fatigue
Fatigue is another symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. When a person with this disease tries to accomplish normal tasks, this may cause resistance from the joint affected. For example, lifting a dish to return it to a cupboard or cabinet places strain on the joints. Lifting and placing the dishes may wear a person out. An individual without this chronic condition might perform three times the chore without feeling any weariness. Normal activities such as making a bed, washing dishes or cooking cause lethargy, weakness and extreme fatigue in someone with rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Redness and warmth
Lumps with redness around is another symptom those with rheumatoid arthritis may experience. The lumps depending on where they’re situated may cause disruptions to mobility. The redness and warmth usually occupies this chunky piece of skin. For instance, if a lump is around the wrist or feet it causes problems with lifting or walking. Sometimes the lumps or bumps have fluids in them and a medical professional must drain the lump for mobility and relief from pain.
4. Limited mobility
Rheumatoid arthritis differences from other types of arthritis affect joints and cause limited mobility or disabilities. from other types of arthritis. Pain in the joints continues without relief. The pain can range from tolerable to indescribable pain. Some patients compare the pain to having a broken wrist, arm or leg all day with no relief.
