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Early Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Wrist

Suspecting that you may have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a scary thing. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of the early stages of RA as well as when to talk to a doctor.

  1. Definition on RA

    • RA is an autoimmune disorder that affects the lining of small joints, such as the hands, wrist, ankles and feet. This can eventually lead to joint deformity and bone erosion.

    Affected Joints

    • The smaller joints, such as the wrist, are usually the ones that affected by RA first, followed by larger joints, such as the shoulders, hips and knees.

    Joint Pain and Swelling

    • Symmetrical (affecting both wrists) joint pain and swelling are often the first noticeable symptoms of RA in the wrists. These symptoms may flare up and then disappear on a regular basis.

    Other Symptoms

    • Other symptoms of early stages of RA include red and puffy hands, bumps of tissue under the skin on your arms, fatigue, morning stiffness, fever and weight loss.

    When to See the Doctor

    • You should consult your doctor if you have consistent pain and swelling in both of your wrists.

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