What Are The Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The effects of RA include: Fatigue, soreness, stiffness and aching. Pain and swelling may occur in the same joints on both sides of the body. Pain will usually start in the hands or feet. RA can also can affect elbows, shoulders, neck, knees, hips and ankles. The swelling tends to persist over prolonged periods of time. Inflammatory cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage. The involved joint can lose its shape and alignment leading to pain and loss of movement. The swelling can also lead to lumps, or rheumatoid nodules, which develop under the skin.
