Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common joint disorder that typically affects the joints symmetrically. It primarily involves inflammation of small joints and is known for causing joint damage, deformity, and functional impairment. As with many chronic illnesses, pain is a major factor that significantly reduces quality of life—but in RA, pain often comes in flare-ups that vary in intensity.
Rheumatoid arthritis isn’t limited to joints—it can spread throughout the body and affect various organ systems. In fact, the leading cause of mortality in RA patients is cardiovascular involvement. RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, especially the joints. While the exact cause of this autoimmune response is unknown, it leads to a chronic inflammatory process in both joints and other parts of the body.
Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA is most commonly seen in individuals over the age of 40–50, and women are approximately 2.5 times more likely to develop it than men. Several key risk factors contribute to its onset, including:
- Genetic predisposition
- Female gender
- Smoking
- Bacterial and viral infections
People with first-degree relatives who have RA are 1.5 times more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA symptoms typically appear in the form of joint pain, swelling, and discoloration. The way the pain begins and progresses is crucial. In most cases, joint changes develop slowly over weeks or months, making close monitoring essential.
The joints most commonly affected are the wrists, hands, feet, and ankles. Notably, the fingertips (distal joints) are usually spared. RA symptoms often appear symmetrically—for instance, both hands may exhibit pain, swelling, and color changes.
One hallmark symptom is morning stiffness, which lasts for more than one hour. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, fever, and weight loss. As the disease progresses, it may show extra-articular (non-joint) symptoms, including:
Common Non-Joint Symptoms:
- Extreme fatigue
- Morning stiffness (lasting over an hour)
- Weakness
- Flu-like symptoms with low-grade fever
- Pain after long periods of rest
- Periodic flares in symptom intensity
- Rheumatoid nodules
- Muscle pain
- Appetite loss, depression, coldness in hands and feet
- Dry mouth, reduced tear production
- Difficulty using household items or performing daily tasks
How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?
As with any disease, a definitive diagnosis must be made by a qualified physician through clinical examination. Doctors rely on internationally accepted diagnostic criteria, which include:
- Morning stiffness lasting at least one hour
- Arthritis in three or more joint areas
- Arthritis in hand joints (e.g., wrist, finger joints)
- Symmetrical joint involvement
- Rheumatoid nodules (swelling near affected joints)
- Positive rheumatoid factor (a specific antibody in blood tests)
- Radiographic evidence (bone erosions or joint space narrowing)
If a patient exhibits at least four out of these seven criteria, there is a strong likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis. Morning stiffness and symmetrical joint involvement should persist for more than six weeks.
Other possible symptoms include severe fatigue and joint deformities. RA can also affect:
- Heart
- Skin
- Lungs
- Eyes
- Nervous system
- Circulatory system
One of the most common causes of death in RA patients is heart attack, making ongoing medical supervision essential.
Morning pain often intensifies with inactivity, while flare-ups—a defining feature of the disease—are key indicators of symptom severity.
For more information on how the disease is treated, read our article:
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment