What are the symptoms of RA?

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RA (rheumatoid arthritis) causes your immune system to attack your joints, causing swelling. Swelling causes pain, stiffness, loss of movement and even permanent damage to joints.

Early Symptoms

RA usually attacks the smaller joints first, in the wrists, hands, ankles and feet. Pain, swelling and stiffness is worse in the morning. You might feel sick, feverish and lose appetite. Small, firm lumps might form under your skin.

Later Symptoms

RA can spread to other joints and cause the same symptoms. Joints might feel tender and your hands might become puffy and red.

Advanced Symptoms

RA can cause deformed bones, dryness of eyes and mouth, chest pain, wrist pain from pinched nerves and tiny black areas around your fingernails and toenails, which is from tissue death.

Progression

RA can be difficult to diagnose because the progression of the symptoms varies so much from person to person. It might last a few months or a couple of years, then go away completely. Symptoms might flare up from time to time. Some people have RA that is active most of the time and lasts a lifetime.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of RA is crucial because early treatment can protect you from long-term damage. Discuss your symptoms and their timing with your doctor if you suspect RA.

Source

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Information Clearinghouse--National Institutes of Health

Medline Plus-Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis-Symptoms: Mayo Clinic

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