Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Are The Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Question: What are the leading symptons of rheumatoid arthritis. My doctor says I have an auto immune disorder and thinks it is rheumatoid. I hurt all the time especially my joints.
Brief Answer:
persisting symmetric pain in at least 5 joints
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
In most persons with rheumatoid arthritis the onset of symptoms is gradual/subtle sometimes starting with fever, malaise (general unwell feeling), joint pain and weakness before going on to joint inflammation and swelling.
The hallmark feature of rheumatoid arthritis is persistent symmetric polyarthritis of the hands and feet- this means joint pain involving at least 5 joints and also not one side of the body, it affects both aspects of the body
Other symptoms are:(1)deterioration of the joint
(2)extra articular involvement- this means can involve areas outside of the joints.
There can be effects on the skin, heart, lungs in some but not all persons.
(3)difficulty performing normal activities of daily living
In terms of diagnosis, there are criteria that are used to establish the diagnosis.
It requires looking at the combination of symptoms, signs seen on examination, lab tests and imaging.
It is possible with your persisting joint pain that it is rheumatoid arthritis but the complete picture would be used to come to a diagnosis.
The treatment involves both non medication techniques and the use of different types of medication.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
persisting symmetric pain in at least 5 joints
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
In most persons with rheumatoid arthritis the onset of symptoms is gradual/subtle sometimes starting with fever, malaise (general unwell feeling), joint pain and weakness before going on to joint inflammation and swelling.
The hallmark feature of rheumatoid arthritis is persistent symmetric polyarthritis of the hands and feet- this means joint pain involving at least 5 joints and also not one side of the body, it affects both aspects of the body
Other symptoms are:(1)deterioration of the joint
(2)extra articular involvement- this means can involve areas outside of the joints.
There can be effects on the skin, heart, lungs in some but not all persons.
(3)difficulty performing normal activities of daily living
In terms of diagnosis, there are criteria that are used to establish the diagnosis.
It requires looking at the combination of symptoms, signs seen on examination, lab tests and imaging.
It is possible with your persisting joint pain that it is rheumatoid arthritis but the complete picture would be used to come to a diagnosis.
The treatment involves both non medication techniques and the use of different types of medication.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
