What are the warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis?
• Morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes. • Pain in three or more joints at the same time. • Pain in a joint all night long. • Pain in the same joints on both sides of your body. This is called a symmetrical pattern. RA may start gradually or with a sudden, severe attack with flu-like symptoms. It’s important to remember that RA symptoms vary from person to person. In some people the disease will be mild with periods of activity or joint inflammation (flare-ups) and inactivity (remissions). In other cases the disease will be continuously active and appear to get worse, or progress, over time. You may feel weak and tired, you may have a fever or lose weight, but joint pain will be the main problem. If any warning sign lasts more than two weeks, see your doctor. If your doctor believes that you have RA, it is important to see a rheumatologist right away, to begin treatment. Joints Affected One important way to distinguish RA from other forms of arthritis is by the pattern of
