Common Symptoms for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Everyone who has rheumatoid arthritis experiences it differently. There are many symptoms of the disease and not all of the symptoms will occur at the same time. However, there are common symptoms of the disease that will occur in all patients as the disease progresses. Individuals with the disease will usually experience two or three of the following symptoms at the same time.

Joints

• One of the most obvious signs of rheumatoid arthritis is the swelling of the joints. The joints may feel warm to the touch and there may be small nodules on the affected joints.

Fatigue

• The fatigue experienced by those with rheumatoid arthritis is different than simple tiredness. It is chronic and interferes with the quality of daily life.

Stiffness

• Joint stiffness for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers is a chronic condition. It is especially pronounced in the morning and after sitting for long periods of time.

Appetite

• Those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis may experience appetite loss, especially when the disease is active during flare-ups.

Weight

• Many individuals with rheumatoid arthritis experience significant weight loss of 10 pounds or more. This may fluctuate during periods of flare-ups and when taking certain medications for the disease.

Pain

• In addition to swollen joints, many individuals experience joint pain. In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, using the hands and feet may be especially painful. As the disease progresses, the pain will advance to other joints within the body.

Illness

• It is not unusual to experience flu-like symptoms when suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting and listlessness.