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Signs & Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Wrists

Achy hands, difficulty doing simple tasks, and a general feeling of illness are all common signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a disease that affects roughly 1.3 million Americans. Understanding signs and symptoms could mean the difference between controlling the disease and letting the disease spread throughout the body.

  1. Definition

    • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there is no single cause for RA. In fact, RA could be the result of a number of factors. What is known is that something triggers the joints, most commonly the wrists, knees, or hips. It is also known that RA can spread from joint to joint. This means people diagnosed with RA should take care during acute flare-ups so the disease does not spread.

    Signs & Symptoms

    • The signs and symptoms of RA can easily be confused with the flu or general illness. The Arthritis Foundation says early symptoms include stiffness, fatigue, loss of appetite and pain (especially when sitting for prolonged periods of time.) Signs of RA include anemia, weight loss, low-grade fever, and a decrease in tears and saliva production (a condition called Sjogren's Syndrome).

    Is it Rheumatoid?

    • There are several hallmarks that differentiate rheumatoid from other types of arthritis. RA affects joints bilaterally-both wrists, for example-while other types typically affect a single joint. RA can flare and go into remission, unlike other types which are constant. RA can cause deformities in the affected joints, resulting from destruction of the ligaments and tendons caused by the disease. Finally, people with RA tend to be more susceptible to illness and infection, and may experience skin ulcers and a decline in overall health.

      Because RA affects each person individually, it is best to speak to your doctor about your symptoms and whether they point to RA or another condition.

    Cautions

    • It is possible for RA to spread, not only to other joints but to internal organs. This is rare but, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery, RA can cause inflammation of the internal organs such as the lungs, eyes, and nerves. Fortunately, these conditions can be easily treated with medications.

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