Read on to find out how you can identify if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system starts attacking your body's tissues and as a result, a chronic inflammation occurs in the joints. It is a very common disease in today's era and can affect people of any age group, gender or background. The symptoms begin slowly and if not controlled, might get worse with time and lead you to several other diseases. So, if you're experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, then do consult with a doctor immediately.
Fatigue: This is the earliest and most common sign of having rheumatoid arthritis. Due to the inflammation in the joints, you start to feel excessively tired, exhausted and lack of energy. Depression, sleep disorder and a feeling of having flu are also accompanied by this condition.
Joint stiffness: If you suddenly feel stiffness in one or more small joints after standing for a long time, then this may indicate that you have rheumatoid arthritis. It occurs mostly in the fingers and may last for two or three days.
Joint pain: Due to the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, the lining of the joint gets thicker and the joint fluid production gets increased. As a result, a sudden pressure occurs on the capsules surrounding the joints and then, you start feeling pain in your wrists, fingers and feet.
Weight loss: People with rheumatoid arthritis often lose their appetite and this leads them to lose weight. So, if you experience an unexplained weight loss, do consider seeing a doctor.
Lung diseases: It is clinically proven that people with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing several types of lung diseases such as Fibrosis, Interstitial lung disease and Rheumatoid nodules. This happens probably due to the inflammation in the lungs or the damage of lung tissues.
Numbness and tingling: The inflammation in the joints causes pressure on your nerves and results in numbness, tingling or a burning sensation in your hands or feet.
Digestive Problems: Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your digestive system and result in several gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, ulcers, bleeding and irregular bowel movement.
Anemia: Due to the chronic inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, the release of red blood cells gets restricted in your body and this leads you to a health condition called Anemia.
Fever: Although rare, but a slight fever is also a sign of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Several factors such as inflammation, infection or an increased metabolic rate can raise your body temperature and cause fever.
Also, morning stiffness, joint swelling, joint redness, limping, eye issues and depression are some common signs of rheumatoid arthritis.
