Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

8 Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis<br /><br />This is more common in younger people, says Lisa A. Mandl, MD, MPH, assistant attending rheumatologist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.<br /><br />One day a patient is playing soccer and the next day her knee is swollen, she says. I have seen people who have had two arthroscopic surgeries and extensive physical therapy in their knee and they have rheumatoid arthritis.<br /><br />One symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is marked by tingling in the wrist and hands. Dr. Mandl says the sensation is similar to the feeling you get when you hit your funny bone.<br /><br />What happens is that the swelling in the arm compresses the nerves going into the hands. The sensation is often worse at night.<br /><br />If you go to a doctor with these symptoms and dont have or tell him or her about other RA symptoms, you may be diagnosed only with carpal tunnel syndrome.<br /><br />Some people with RA may also develop pain in the heel because of plantar fasciitis, a common foot disorder caused by swelling of the tissue at the bottom of the foot, near the heel.<br /><br />Embarrassing Foot Issues Solver<br /><br />Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid ArthritisEye Problems<br /><br />People with RA are also at risk for Sjogrens syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that can cause dryness of the eyes, mouth, nose, throat, or skin due to inflammation that stops glands from releasing moisture, says Dr. Mandl.<br /><br />This can happen even in the early stages of RA, but its unlikely to be the only symptom.<br /><br />Most people with dry eyes head to an eye doctor to find out the cause, but Dr. Mandl recommends telling your doctor even an eye doctor or other specialist about additional symptoms youre having in any part of the body.<br /><br />One of the most predominant symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is aching in the joints. People often think their pain is due to overexertion or osteoarthritis, the type of arthritis common in old age.<br /><br />This achiness can also be misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome fatigue is another symptom of RA.<br /><br />RA joint pain is not fleeting; it usually lasts longer than a week. It can also be symmetrical, meaning both hands, feet, knees, or ankles will be affected at the same time.<br /><br />13 Must Know Facts About Joint Replacement<br /><br />Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid ArthritisMorning Stiffness<br /><br />Another characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis is stiffness in the joints in the morning.<br /><br />Again, this is also a common problem in osteoarthritis, which can cause pain after long periods of inactivity, like sleeping.<br /><br />The difference between the two is that osteoarthritis pain usually subsides in about a half hour. Stiffness from rheumatoid arthritis will last much longer, possibly for a good chunk of the day.<br /><br />The right kind of exercise can help alleviate stiffness for people with RA and osteoarthritis pain.<br /><br />14 Exercises for People in Pain<br /><br />Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid ArthritisLocked Joints<br /><br />People with RA can sometimes experience locked joints, particularly in the knees and elbows. This happens because theres so much swelling of the tendons around the joint, the joint cannot bend. It can lead to cysts behind the knee that can puff out and inhibit motion.<br /><br />The symptom can be mistaken for a meniscus tear, a knee joint injury thats common in sports, and which can also lead to cysts.<br /><br />10 Ways to Protect Your Joints from Damage<br /><br />Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid ArthritisNodules<br /><br />These are firm lumps that grow under the skin near the affected joints. They often appear at the back of the elbows, and sometimes people get them in the eyes.