Persistent joint pain, especially in the morning
One of the earliest signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is persistent joint pain, especially in the morning. If your joints feel stiff, swollen, or sore when you wake up, it could be a sign of inflammation caused by RA. This stiffness typically lasts for 30 minutes or more and may improve as you move around throughout the day. If this discomfort is frequent and doesn’t go away, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Morning stiffness and joint pain that lasts over 30 minutes should not be ignored.
Swollen, tender joints that feel warm to the touch
In the early stages of RA, you may notice that your joints become swollen and tender, often feeling warm to the touch. This is caused by inflammation, which is a key characteristic of RA. The swelling and tenderness are often present in multiple joints, such as the fingers, wrists, knees, or elbows. If you notice these symptoms in more than one joint, it’s worth seeing a doctor for evaluation.
Swelling and warmth in multiple joints could indicate the early stages of RA.
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Fatigue is another early symptom of RA that shouldn’t be ignored. People with rheumatoid arthritis often experience extreme tiredness, even after getting enough rest. This fatigue can be overwhelming and may interfere with daily activities. It is usually caused by the inflammation associated with RA. If you’re feeling unusually tired, especially along with joint pain or stiffness, it could be a sign of an underlying condition like RA.
Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest may point to rheumatoid arthritis.
Symmetrical joint involvement
One unique aspect of rheumatoid arthritis is that it tends to affect both sides of the body symmetrically. For example, if one knee or wrist is swollen, the other one might show similar signs of inflammation as well. This symmetrical involvement is a hallmark of RA and can be an early sign of the disease. If you notice joint issues on both sides of your body, it’s important to have them checked out by a healthcare professional.
Symmetrical joint pain or swelling is a common early sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
Some people with early rheumatoid arthritis may experience a loss of appetite and unintended weight loss. This is often due to the body’s inflammatory response and can be associated with the systemic effects of RA. If you notice these symptoms along with joint discomfort or stiffness, it’s a good idea to consult with a doctor. Addressing these signs early on can help prevent more serious complications.
Unexplained weight loss and a loss of appetite could be related to RA.
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet is another symptom that may occur in the early stages of RA. This is often due to nerve compression or inflammation in the joints, especially in the wrists and ankles. These sensations can be mild at first but may become more severe over time. If you experience numbness or tingling along with joint pain, it’s important to get it checked out by a healthcare provider.
Numbness or tingling, along with joint pain, could indicate rheumatoid arthritis.
Decreased range of motion
As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, it can lead to a decreased range of motion in the affected joints. This is often due to inflammation that can cause damage to the joint lining, leading to stiffness and difficulty moving the joints fully. If you notice that a joint feels less flexible or difficult to move, especially in the hands or knees, it may be a sign of RA.
A decrease in your ability to move certain joints could signal the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis.
Dry eyes or mouth
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis develop a condition called Sjögren’s syndrome, which causes dry eyes and mouth. This occurs when the immune system attacks the moisture-producing glands. While this is not present in all RA patients, it can be an early sign. If you notice dry eyes, difficulty swallowing, or a dry mouth along with joint symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor.
Dry eyes or mouth may indicate RA-related conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome.
Low-grade fever that comes and goes
A low-grade fever is another early symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. This fever is often mild and may come and go. It can occur as a result of the inflammation that RA causes in the body. If you have a fever that accompanies joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, it could be an early warning sign of RA.
A low-grade fever with joint symptoms is something that should be investigated by a healthcare provider.