What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints but may also affect other organs throughout the body. Understanding its symptoms can help with early diagnosis and treatment. The following are common symptoms and structured data of rheumatoid arthritis:
1. Joint symptoms
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| joint pain | It mostly occurs in small joints (such as fingers and wrist joints), is symmetrical, and worsens in the morning or after rest. |
| swollen joints | The soft tissue around the joint is swollen and feels warm to touch. |
| morning stiffness | Joint stiffness in the morning, usually lasting more than 30 minutes. |
| joint deformation | Joint deformities (such as "swan neck" or "button flower" deformity) may occur in advanced stages. |
2. Systemic symptoms
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| fatigue | Persistent feeling of tiredness that does not relieve itself even after rest. |
| low fever | Some patients may develop mild fever (usually less than 38°C). |
| weight loss | Weight loss for no apparent reason. |
3. Extra-articular symptoms
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| rheumatoid nodules | Painless induration under the skin, most common near the elbow joint. |
| lung disease | Interstitial lung disease or pleurisy may occur. |
| cardiovascular problems | Increases risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. |
| Eye symptoms | Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or scleritis. |
4. Disease progression and complications
If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis may lead to loss of joint function and systemic complications. The following are typical signs of disease progression:
| stage | Symptom characteristics |
|---|---|
| Early days | Joint pain, morning stiffness, no obvious deformity. |
| medium term | Joint swelling increases, movement is limited, and slight deformity may occur. |
| Late stage | The joints are severely deformed and their functions are lost, accompanied by multi-system complications. |
5. Diagnosis and treatment suggestions
If the above symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Diagnosis usually combines clinical findings, blood tests (eg, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies), and imaging studies (X-ray or MRI). The goals of treatment are to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent joint destruction.
6. Summary
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are diverse, and early recognition is critical to prognosis. If you or your family members develop related symptoms, please consult a rheumatologist immediately to develop a personalized treatment plan.
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