What are the Most Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Early Symptoms?

Rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms, such as stiffness and pain, are commonly reported. Usually, these symptoms are realized upon rising out of bed in the morning, and periodic symptoms may be felt during times of activity throughout the day. Other rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms include weight loss, fatigue and sleep disturbances, which are primarily caused by pain and stiffness. During these early stages, patients also report that symptoms appear to be worse on one half of the body.

Occasionally, people with RA will only experience one flareup, which is characterized by joint inflammation and pain. After this initial flareup, the disease may go into remission for several years or indefinitely. For most people, however, a flareup of rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms is only the beginning of a series of future episodes of this progressive disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms may last for several minutes up to one hour after a person rises in the morning. Also, episodes that occur later in the day generally follow a period of prolonged inactivity. It is during these early stages that continued movement helps to loosen joints until they move freely again without causing pain.

Besides discomfort, pain, swelling and stiffness, many experiencing rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms also report joints that feel feverish. These symptoms may also appear suddenly and disappear just as suddenly. Other symptoms, such as lumps on the elbows and feet, may also be noticeable in rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis in children is also possible. The most common juvenile rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include pain, joint stiffness and swelling, a stiff hip or neck, sore fingers, sore knees and sore wrists. Also, unexplained rashes may appear suddenly and then, just as suddenly, disappear. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis symptoms also produce a high fever, particularly at night, which may be accompanied by chills.

Rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms can change rapidly in children. On any given day a child may present one set of symptoms and the next episode of RA may produce different symptoms. It is also the case that juvenile rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may vary among children with the disease.

When any variation of these physical signs is realized for a period of six weeks or more, doctors begin to explore the possibility that a patient may be experiencing rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms. Diagnostic testing is necessary before a correct diagnosis can be made. Such testing includes blood testing, x-rays, bone scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an examination of the fluid surrounding the joints.