11 Early Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis You Shouldn’t Ignore

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and swelling. Identifying RA early is essential because treatment is most effective when started in the early stages. If left untreated, RA can lead to irreversible joint damage, disability, and other complications.

Understanding the early warning signs of RA is essential to getting an accurate diagnosis and beginning the proper treatment as soon as possible. Here’s a closer look at the signs and symptoms of RA you shouldn’t ignore.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues, specifically the joints. This leads to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. While RA can affect anyone, it’s more common in women and typically starts between the ages of 30 and 50. Early diagnosis is key to managing symptoms and reducing the risk of permanent damage.

Early Warning Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging to recognize in its early stages because many of the symptoms can be mild and similar to other conditions. However, if you notice any of the following signs, it’s essential to see your doctor for an evaluation:

1. Joint Pain

Pain in the joints is one of the first signs of RA. The pain typically affects smaller joints, such as the hands, wrists, and feet, but can spread to other joints, like the knees and elbows. RA pain is often symmetric, affecting the same joints on both sides of the body. Unlike the pain you might feel after a long workout, RA pain is persistent, throbbing, and can interfere with daily activities.

2. Joint Swelling

Swelling is another common early symptom of RA. Inflammation causes the joints to become swollen, tender, and warm to the touch. This is often seen in the hands, wrists, and feet and may make it difficult to move or bend those joints. Swollen joints can also cause discomfort when wearing rings or shoes, which may suddenly feel tight.

3. Stiffness

Joint stiffness is a hallmark of RA, especially in the morning. Many people with RA experience stiffness that lasts for more than 30 minutes, making it difficult to start the day. This stiffness is typically worse after inactivity, such as sleeping or sitting for long periods. Over time, it can affect your ability to perform tasks like typing, walking, or even picking up objects.

4. Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of RA. Unlike typical tiredness, RA fatigue is deep and persistent, often lasting throughout the day. Even with a whole night’s sleep, you might feel exhausted and unable to complete everyday activities. This fatigue is thought to result from the body’s immune system constantly fighting inflammation, draining your energy.

5. Warm, Red, or Tender Joints

In addition to swelling and pain, the joints affected by RA may feel warm or appear red. This is due to inflammation in the affected joints, which can cause discomfort and increase the tenderness of the joint. In some cases, the warmth and redness may be most noticeable after periods of rest, such as in the morning after waking up.

6. Decreased Range of Motion

As inflammation builds up in the joints, it can limit your ability to move them normally. This decreased range of motion may make it harder to do everyday tasks like holding objects, dressing, or bending your fingers. Over time, if left untreated, joint damage from RA can further limit mobility and function.

7. Numbness or Tingling Sensations

RA can also affect the nerves around the joints, leading to numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. These sensations occur because inflammation presses the nerves, causing discomfort and altered sensations in the affected areas.

8. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss

While not everyone with RA will experience this, some individuals may notice a decrease in appetite and unintended weight loss. Chronic inflammation can cause a loss of appetite, leading to weight loss over time. Other systemic symptoms like fatigue and fever can accompany this.

9. Low-Grade Fever

In some people with RA, low-grade fevers (usually under 100.4°F or 38°C) may appear, especially during flare-ups of the condition. These fevers are a sign that inflammation is active in the body. Although mild, a persistent low-grade fever combined with joint symptoms can be an early indicator of RA.

10. Eye Problems

Although rarer, RA can sometimes affect body parts outside the joints, including the eyes. People with RA may experience dry eyes, pain, redness, or sensitivity to light. Inflammation can sometimes lead to conditions like uveitis (inflammation of the eye’s middle layer). If you experience vision changes, eye discomfort, and joint symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.

11. Morning Stiffness and Pain That Improves with Movement

One of the most characteristic signs of RA is morning stiffness. When you wake up, your joints may feel stiff and painful; it might take a while before they loosen up. This stiffness often lasts for at least 30 minutes but improves with movement and activity. However, the stiffness can persist in more severe cases throughout the day.

Are the Warning Signs for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Different?

Yes, RA and osteoarthritis (OA) are different, and their symptoms can vary. In contrast to RA, osteoarthritis usually starts with pain in just one joint at a time, often affecting larger weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and lower back. OA does not cause the same level of stiffness or swelling that RA does, and it tends to develop more gradually as the cartilage in the joints wears away.

While both conditions can affect the hands, RA typically affects the knuckles, wrists, and joints closest to the fingers, while OA tends to affect the base of the thumb and the joints near the fingernails.

Why Early Treatment Matters

The earlier you catch rheumatoid arthritis, the better. Starting treatment early can help control the inflammation, reduce pain, and prevent irreversible joint damage. RA can cause permanent damage to your joints in as little as one year if left untreated, which is why early diagnosis is so important.

Treatment for RA typically involves medications like:

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the first-line treatments for RA. These include drugs like methotrexate, which helps slow the disease down by targeting the immune system’s inflammation.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but they don’t slow the disease itself.
• Biologic therapies: In some cases, drugs like Humira (adalimumab) may be prescribed to target specific parts of the immune system.

Combining these treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage RA and allow you to continue living your whole life.

How Fast Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Worsen?

RA can progress at different rates for different people. Some people may experience rapid worsening, while others may develop mild symptoms over time. However, the longer RA goes untreated, the more likely it is to cause joint deformities and other complications, including heart disease, lung issues, and nerve damage. That’s why seeing your doctor as soon as possible is crucial.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or fatigue that isn’t linked to an injury or overuse, it’s time to see your doctor. Your primary care provider will likely perform a physical exam and may refer you to a rheumatologist, a specialist in autoimmune and joint conditions, for further evaluation.

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to managing RA and preventing severe complications. Don’t wait until your symptoms worsen—if you’re concerned, speak to your doctor sooner rather than later.

The Bottom Line

Recognizing the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis is crucial to managing the condition before significant damage occurs. If you experience symptoms like joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue, seeking medical advice is essential. RA is a manageable condition, and with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, you can significantly reduce the risk of permanent joint damage and lead a healthier life.