Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Early Warning Signs

Do your joints feel stiff, swollen, and painful, especially in the morning? Or, after sitting for long hours, it becomes difficult to stand up, or do you experience sharp pain in your joints while standing up? Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn't easy. Even simple, everyday tasks can feel like a challenge. However, understanding rheumatoid arthritis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment can empower you to take steps toward managing it and feeling better. But, Please note that this blog is intended for informational purposes only. For professional medical advice, consult the Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialist in Jaipur at CK Birla Hospital.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), also called an autoimmune disease, causes inflammation in the joints. It happens when your body's immune system doesn't work properly and attacks the lining of the joints, called the synovium. It leads to swelling, pain, and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects your joints, especially in your fingers, knees, ankles, toes, feet, and hands. Sometimes, this disease can also affect other body parts, such as the eyes, heart, circulatory system, and lungs.

What are the symptoms of rheumatologic arthritis?

The most common symptoms of rheumatologic arthritis are: 

• Pain, swelling, and tenderness in multiple joints.
• Morning stiffness or stiffness after sitting for long periods.
• Joint pain and stiffness on both sides of the body (symmetrical).
• Feeling fatigued.
• A sense of weakness in the body.
• Occasional fevers that might feel unexplained.

Note: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t the same for everyone. Some might notice their symptoms worsening gradually over the years, while others may experience rapid changes. It’s common for symptoms to come and go—there might be phases with intense discomfort (flares) and times when you feel completely fine (remission).

What are the causes of rheumatoid arthritis?

The immune system plays a vital role in our body by protecting us from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. But in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the immune system gets confused and mistakenly attacks the body’s cells, thinking they’re harmful. 

In RA, it targets the synovium, the tissue that lines the joints and helps them move smoothly. This attack causes inflammation and makes the synovium thicker, which leads to pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, and joint trouble.

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

In order to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, your healthcare provider may refer you to a doctor who specialises in arthritis (rheumatologist). A rheumatologist is a doctor who treats and diagnoses people with RA based on several factors. They’ll do a physical examination and ask you about your medical history and symptoms that you might experience. 

Your rheumatologist might also recommend blood tests and imaging tests to identify the exact cause of this problem. Through your blood tests, your doctor will look for inflammation and blood proteins (antibodies) that are signs of rheumatoid arthritis. 

These may include:

• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or “sed rate”)
• Cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies
• Rheumatoid factor (RF) antibodies

You’ll also be recommended with various imaging tests to look for signs that your joints are wearing away. The imaging tests may include:

• Ultrasounds
• X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

The goal of this treatment is to reduce joint pain and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis treatments involve one or more kinds of medication. In some cases, your doctors might recommend surgery based on factors like age, health, medical history, and how bad your symptoms are.

Early treatment with certain drugs can improve your condition. However, a combination of multiple medications might be more effective than a single drug therapy. Your doctors might recommend various medications to reduce joint pain, swelling and inflammation, as well as to prevent or slow down the disease. Medicines that treat rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids
• Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
• Biologics

You can choose the best medication for rheumatoid arthritis that can give you the most benefit with minimal side effects. However, this might vary depending on your health history and the severity of your RA symptoms. Your healthcare provider will work with you to create a treatment plan that caters to your needs.

CTA

Your joints are the foundation of your movement, so it’s essential to care for them. Don't ignore these signs if you’re experiencing persistent pain, stiffness, or swelling. Stay proactive about your health—consult a rheumatologist to explore effective treatment options. To schedule an appointment with specialists, click here. 

The Final Word

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects mobility by causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, making everyday activities challenging. However, there is no cure for RA, but early diagnosis and treatment can help you manage your condition and lead whole lives. 

FAQ

 

Does rheumatoid arthritis cause fatigue?

Yes, fatigue is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. It’s caused by the body’s immune response, inflammation, and sometimes the emotional toll of managing chronic pain.

What are the 4 stages of rheumatoid arthritis?

What are the best treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?

The best treatment combines medication, such as DMARDs or biologics, with physical therapy, a healthy lifestyle, and sometimes surgery. Consult a rheumatologist to create a personalised plan that works for you.