Canada (Commonwealth Union)_ Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects joints as well as other organs. The physiological systems that the disease may affect in some patients are the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. In a healthy individual, the immune system guards against intruders such as bacteria and viruses.
When an individual develops an autoimmune condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their immune system misidentifies their own bodily cells as foreign bodies and produces inflammatory chemicals that attack the mistaken cells. RA generally attacks the synovium, the tissue lining a joint that produces a secretion to help with its smooth mobility. The thickening of the inflammatory synovium causes the swollen, red, and sensitive joint region, as well as the difficulty in moving the joint. Early diagnosis of this condition can lead to timely treatment.
Researchers are still looking for the actual causes of RA. They assume that these individuals may have certain genes that are triggered by an environmental factor, such as a virus or bacterium, physical or emotional stress, or any other external factor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound may assist in the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, these imaging studies can assist in determining the extent of joint damage and the severity of the condition. The following are the early warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Morning stiffness
Morning stiffness is one of the key symptoms of all types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. You may be having a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis if you wake up with joint discomfort that lasts over 30 minutes. Normally, after lengthy activity, joints become more mobile.
Joint redness and swelling
When rheumatoid arthritis develops, the joints may become red and warm to the touch. Rheumatoid arthritis also damages the lining of the joints. They might also enlarge.
Fatigue
Due to the fact that your body requires energy to combat inflammation, you may feel an increase in fatigue and weariness even when completing the same duties as usual. Even if you have no other symptoms, you may be suffering a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) if this weariness persists for more than a few weeks.
Numbness or tingling
If you have inflamed tendons, your nerves may get compressed. This might lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause tingling, numbness, or burning in the hands. These symptoms are caused by joint inflammation, which can impede nerves and result in numbness.
Constant stiffness
Apart from morning stiffness, you may experience general joint stiffness the whole day, especially after a period of inactivity. In addition to the wrists and major joints in the hands and feet, the knees and shoulders can also experience discomfort and stiffness due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Frequently, both sides of your body will be affected.
Restricted movement
In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, a person may have trouble bending their wrist back and forth. As the disease progresses, ligaments and tendons may also sustain joint injuries, making them difficult to flex and extend.
Fever
A little temperature or fever accompanied by additional symptoms such as joint pain and inflammation may be an early sign of a rheumatoid arthritis flare. This is generally accompanied by chronic weariness and a lack of energy.
Weight reduction
Sudden weight loss is one of the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis, and this may be due to inflammation. When a person is unwell and exhausted, they may lose their appetite, which may lead to weight loss. Consider these symptoms if you believe you are susceptible to RA.
