Early Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis and When to Seek Help

Have you noticed that your fingers or wrists feel stiff, tender, or warm? These symptoms might seem minor but could be early warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disorder that primarily targets the lining of your joints, causing inflammation that can lead to joint damage. Unlike other types of arthritis, RA commonly affects the small joints in your hands and feet, but it can also impact blood vessels. Understanding the early signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can help you seek timely medical care and prevent long-term joint damage.

The Early Warning Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes be tricky to diagnose because its initial symptoms may mimic those of other conditions. However, recognizing these early rheumatoid arthritis signs can lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes.

1. Joint Stiffness

One of the hallmark symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is joint stiffness, which can come on gradually and last for several hours or even days. This stiffness often occurs after periods of inactivity and might reduce your range of motion. It may also be helpful to note that many RA patients complain of morning stiffness, which is characterized by tight, stiff joints in the fingers and wrists.

2. Joint Pain and Swelling

People with RA often experience pain and swelling in their small joints, such as those in the fingers, wrists, and toes. As the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, extra joint fluid is produced, which puts pressure on the joint itself and any nerve endings in your fingers or toes. The resulting pain and swelling can make it difficult to complete routine tasks, such as brushing your teeth, typing on a computer, and cooking dinner. 

It’s also important to note that rheumatoid arthritis often affects the same joints on both sides of your body. For example, if you feel joint pain, swelling, or warmth at the base of your index and middle finger on your right hand, you will likely feel the same type of pain in the same spot on your left hand.

3. Fatigue and Fever

People with RA often experience general fatigue and a low-grade fever. This is due to the inflammatory nature of the disease and can prevent you from feeling well enough to tend to everyday activities or spend time with family.

4. Weight Loss

Unintentional weight loss can occur as a result of the body’s response to chronic inflammation. When a person feels unwell, they may lose their appetite and eat less than their body needs. While this is one of the subtle symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you should not ignore it.

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints (synovium). The exact cause of RA is unknown, but several factors can contribute to its development:

• Genetics: Certain genes may make you more susceptible to RA. If you have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis, you are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental elements, such as smoking, can trigger RA in genetically predisposed individuals.
• Hormonal Changes: RA is more common in women, suggesting that hormonal factors may play a role. For example, hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause have the potential to influence disease activity.
• Excess Weight: Research has found that people who are obese are at slightly greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

When to Seek a Doctor for Proper Treatment of RA

Recognizing early rheumatoid arthritis signs and seeking medical help promptly can prevent severe joint damage and other complications. Make sure you reach out to your primary care provider and an orthopedic expert if you’ve noticed any of the following:

• Persistent Joint Symptoms: If you experience persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications, it’s time to see a doctor.
• Severe Morning Stiffness: Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, particularly in the small joints, is a strong indicator of RA.
• Formation of Rheumatoid Nodules: If you notice lumps under your skin near your joints, you should seek medical advice, as these could be rheumatoid nodules.
• Systemic Symptoms: Symptoms like fatigue, fever, and weight loss, coupled with joint pain, warrant a visit to a healthcare provider.
• Family History: If you have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases, be vigilant about joint symptoms and consult a doctor early.

Relieve RA Pain & Seek Professional Help Today

At Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive arthritis care for hands and wrists, as well as other joints affected by RA. We offer personalized treatment plans that include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes to manage RA symptoms and enhance your range of motion. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward effective arthritis care.