Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis Explained

Rheumatoid arthritis is becoming increasingly common and is one of the worst possible health conditions. Arthritis is of seven types and rheumatoid arthritis is one of those, which falls under the autoimmune category. Osteoarthritis is still the most common forms of arthritis found amongst people, affecting their joints due to age factors, trauma or specific infections. Rheumatoid arthritis is different as it leads to a situation of the body turning against itself, though the condition is triggered off by a series of factors. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are many, and initially start with mild aches and pains, but over time take severe forms.

Rheumatoid arthritis, described in a nutshell, is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder. The joints inflame and degenerate gradually, causing pain and discomfort throughout. The first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are usually inflammation and pain in fingers and toes. While the condition mostly affects the joints, about 15% of the patients develop extra-articular (external to the joints) rheumatoid arthritis as well.

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are not constant, as they tend to appear as ?flare-ups?; that is they crop up suddenly after a period of well-being, and it could be at any time of day or night. However, it is generally found that patients are worst affected with pain in the morning hours, shortly after waking up. As the day progresses, the inflammation reduces and is minimal by the time night sets in. The only plausible explanation could be that sleep reduces activity and leads to stiffness, which gradually disappears with movement.

After rheumatoid arthritis starts to diffuse around the human system, it generally affects all the joints, including shoulders, elbows, jaws and hips. The swelling commonly affect in pairs, often causing discomfort in both elbows or both knees etc. The typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint swelling, pain and stiffness, mostly seeing with additional redness and a faint burning sensation around the joints.

Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are linked to general health, which often occur because of the pain and discomfort caused by the condition. Many patients suffer from depression and anxiety, as well as appetite loss, anemia, skin nodules and general ill-health. The skin nodules are painless and look like tiny lumps on the joints. These are seeing in around 25% of the patients. Anemia, caused by reduced red blood cells to maintain oxygen levels, causes fatigue and laziness. This is apparent in 80% of the rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.

Severe rheumatoid arthritis can also cause fever and weight loss due to the combination of other symptoms. The discomfort often drives patients to sleep deprivation, weakness and constant pain. Most patients suffer from anxiety and depression because of this and as a result, they become more physically ill. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis also include inflammation of other body parts, such as the lining of the heart and lungs, blood vessels, tear glands and salivary glands.

Besides the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it's important to know the risk factors involved in causing the condition. Risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis are generally gender, age, genetics and smoking. Women have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than men, and anyone between ages of 40 and 60 are also at risk. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is rare, although it does occur. Rheumatoid arthritis is not hereditary per se, although doctors believe the dormant gene can be triggered by external factors. Smoking, as with many medical conditions, can trigger and aggravate rheumatoid arthritis.