What are the Early Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that occurs in both people and animals. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness and can affect multiple parts of the body. The RA process begins when the immune system attacks

Human anatomy rheumatoid arthritis in hand illustration

a person own tissue, causing inflammation and damage to their mobility. The problems caused by RA are usually located around the joints, but they may also affect the spine, neck, knee, and wrist.

If left untreated, RA can progress to permanent joint damage. If this happens, Rheumatoid arthritis can be life-threatening and results in severe disability. If RA is caught early enough, treatment at the pain care clinic or rheumatoid arthritis clinic can help alleviate symptoms and make life with the condition more manageable.

Here are the common early signs of rheumatoid arthritis that you might want to look out for.

Early Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The early signs of RA often involve pain in one or more joints, stiffness, swelling, and a lack of movement or strength. A person with RA may also have rashes or red patches on their skin, stiffness in their hands or feet, and feelings of extreme fatigue.

While a diagnosis of RA can be made at the pain care clinic in Singapore, it is recommended that you see your GP if you experience any of the symptoms below that persist for more than two weeks.

1) Weakness and Fatigue

The early symptoms of RA are often related to weakness, fatigue, and reduced grip strength. It may also affect the patient’s ability to move from side to side, which can lead to other problems, such as overuse injuries and stiffness.

These symptoms usually occur over a couple of weeks and are often reduced or disappear over time. However, if you have symptoms of this type that persist for more than a couple of weeks, see your GP.

2) Swollen or Inflamed Joints

While most people with RA will develop joint pain, they may also experience swelling and inflammation in their joints, which is known as ankylosis. A person with this type of joint swelling or stiffness may also experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in their hands, wrists, knees, ankles, and shoulders.

People with swollen or inflamed joints may find it harder to sleep at night. Your GP can give you advice on how to cope with swelling and inflammation.

3) Joint Stiffness or Popping Sounds

It’s common for someone with RA to hear popping sounds, such as cracks or pops, when moving their joints. This sound may be caused by inflammation around the joints or by the bones in the joints growing together due to swelling.

5) Numbness or Stiffness in Hands or Feet

It’s important to note that swelling can lead to other symptoms that affect the hands or feet, including numbness and severe pain.

If you have joint swelling or pain, you may also find that you’re not able to move your hands very well. Sometimes the condition can make it difficult for a person to grip items or move their feet in the correct way.

A reduction in the level of flexibility and the movement in the joints can result in long-term problems, such as difficulties with gait and balance.

6) Sleep Problems

People with RA who are sleep deprived may find that they experience mood swings or become lethargic. They may also suffer from heart palpitations, constipation, and headaches.

Other Rare Symptoms of RA

 The symptoms of RA are usually very common. Although it is important to have any of the symptoms of RA checked out by your GP, this does not mean that other symptoms of RA cannot occur.

RA can cause several other rare symptoms that can cause pain, discomfort, and affect a person’s everyday life. These can include:

1) Limping

One common symptom of RA that some people with the condition will experience is a limp. Symptoms of this type of arthritis usually begin in the knee, hip, or ankle and can occur at any joint in the body.

2) Anemia

In rare cases, RA can cause anemia. This is often accompanied by a change in the levels of red blood cells and their ability to carry oxygen to the body. This could lead to a feeling of tiredness.

3) Painful Skin Lesions

RA can also lead to skin lesions, which appear as a red, bumpy, sore spot on the skin. These lesions may be painful and will vary in size and may appear on the face, body, or the palms and soles of the feet.

It is usually recommended that a person with this type of rash consult a doctor.

4) Weight Loss

RA can also cause weight loss. A person with RA may find that their weight reduces significantly due to lack of energy, pain, fever, fatigue, and a loss of appetite.

When Should I Make an Appointment at the Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinic?

If you believe yourself to have any of these signs of RA, it’s best to consult your GP and make an appointment at the rheumatoid arthritis clinic. If you have not previously been diagnosed with RA, your doctor will likely check for:

If you are positive for RA, your doctor will provide you with an immediate treatment plan. Although there are no known cures for RA, it’s best for you not to worry as the doc will assist you in every way she or he can. Remember to stay healthy in the meantime.