Understanding Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

By Dr. Sushant Shinde, MD | Rheumatology India

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is more than just joint pain. It’s an autoimmune disease — where your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, especially the lining of your joints. Recognizing its early symptoms can help you get timely care and prevent long-term damage.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Joint Stiffness (Especially in the Morning)

• Lasts more than 30 minutes

• Most noticeable after rest or sleep

• Common in hands, wrists, and feet

  
  

2. Pain and Swelling in Joints

• Persistent pain, swelling, and tenderness

• Symmetrical (same joints on both sides of the body)

• Joints may feel warm to touch

  
  

3. Fatigue

• Overwhelming tiredness

• Can precede joint symptoms

• May affect daily function, even before diagnosis

  
  

4. Low-Grade Fever

• Not always present

• May come and go with disease activity

  
  

5. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss

• Due to ongoing inflammation

• May be subtle, yet persistent

  
  

Joint-specific Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Joint	Common Symptoms
Hands & Fingers	Swollen knuckles, difficulty gripping, finger deformities (in late stages)
Wrists	Trouble turning doorknobs, wristwatch feels tight
Knees	Pain while walking, stiffness, fluid build-up
Feet & Ankles	Pain when walking, difficulty wearing shoes
Elbows, Shoulders, Hips	Pain with movement, reduced range of motion

Beyond the Joints: Systemic Symptoms

RA can affect more than joints:

• Eyes – Dryness, redness, pain (scleritis, uveitis)

• Lungs – Breathlessness, chronic cough (interstitial lung disease)

• Skin – Nodules or rashes

• Nerves – Tingling or numbness

• Heart – Rarely, can cause inflammation of heart lining

When to See a Rheumatologist

• If your joint stiffness lasts >30 mins in the morning

• If pain/swelling affects multiple joints

• If fatigue or weight loss is unexplained

• If symptoms last more than 6 weeks

Early diagnosis can prevent joint deformities, disability, and organ damage.

Why Early Recognition Matters

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a progressive disease. But with early treatment using DMARDs (disease-modifying drugs), and biologics, we can slow down or even halt its progression.

Take-Home Message

Rheumatoid Arthritis isn’t just “old age” joint pain.

It’s an inflammatory condition that needs early attention, long-term care, and a customized treatment plan.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, don’t ignore them. Consult a Rheumatologist.

Have Questions?

Follow us at @RheumatologyIndia on Instagram or YouTube.

DM us or join our upcoming patient awareness sessions!