What is a Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptom?

Since many of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis tend to mimic those of other types of arthritis, it may be difficult at first to distinguish what type of arthritis you are suffering from. One of the telltale symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis might be the symmetry with which you experience the joint inflammation. While other types of arthritis may only occur in a particular joint or on one side of the body, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms tend to affect both sides of the body simultaneously.

The reason for this difference lies in the cause of the disease. While other types of arthritis are generally caused by deterioration of cartilage from use, rheumatoid arthritis is the result of the body's immune system attacking its own joints and surrounding tissues. The result is painful inflammation and swelling that can be painful to the touch and cause redness around the joints. The disease may occasionally affect other parts of the body as well, like the skin, lungs and heart. There is no know cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but symptoms can be treated through exercise, medication and plenty of rest.

Watching out for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms is very important if you want to keep your health in check and make sure that you do not let the condition go undiagnosed for an extended period of time. This is important because as time goes on and the disease progresses, you will see that it will start causing you more pain and attacking your bones and joints.

Symptoms

Of course, in order to know what rheumatoid arthritis symptom you are looking for, you will have to be aware of what the most common symptoms of this condition are. There are actually quite a few that you are going to need to be on the lookout for. Pain and inflammation in the bones and joints are two of the most common and obvious symptoms of arthritis.

Joints that are inflamed may become red and swollen. Occasionally in advanced cases, there can be lack of function and deformity of some joints. Fortunately, there are many medications on the market that can reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by alleviating pain and reducing the joint swelling that is involved. Some medications can even slow the deterioration of the joints that is common with this disease.

Another commonly experienced rheumatoid arthritis symptom is fatigue. This is especially likely if the disease is active, and not in remission. You may also notice that you have a lack of appetite, low-grade fever, joint aches and stiffness. You will especially notice these sorts of symptoms after you have been active, so after you are done working out or have had a really busy day, wait and see if the pain gets worse.

Be sure you are dealing with a rheumatoid arthritis symptom and not confuse the symptoms with being the result of another condition.

Diagnosis

If you ever think that you have arthritis, the next step is going to be for you to get in and see your doctor. They are the ones who are going to able to definitively affirm or deny that you have arthritis, by performing a few standard tests. The process is very quick and simple, and if they determine that you have arthritis, they will then begin working with you on the road to treatment.

Treating Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

The best treatment for your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms is to see a rheumatologist as soon as possible. A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. Once your doctor has run tests to diagnose your illness, you will be able to begin a course of treatment that will include pain management and an exercise regimen that will help keep joints healthy and functioning. The good news is that early medical intervention to control your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can greatly reduce the probability of any long-term disability from the disease.