Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints. In individuals with RA, the immune system attacks the cartilage surrounding the joints. Treating RA is essential for preventing the loss of cartilage and minimizing joint damage. Gender, family history, smoking, and obesity are all risk factors for RA.

Warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis:

Morning stiffness: Joint pain and stiffness in the morning that lasts longer than 60 minutes is a sign of RA. Morning stiffness makes it difficult to get moving first thing in the morning. It may also cause dull and aching pains throughout the body.

Joint pain: RA usually begins in the smaller joints like the hands and feet. As symptoms progress, the larger joints may begin to be affected as well. Larger joints that are usually impacted by RA include knees, elbows, ankles, hips, and shoulders. The pain experienced from RA is often symmetrica, meaning that if the right hand is affected, the left hand will likely be affected as well. 

Joint swelling: Swelling of the joints is most often seen in the hands and fingers. The hands may look puffy and inflamed. The skin around the inflamed joints may be red and warm to the touch. The warmth of the joint is caused by the inflammation and is the body’s response to attempting to reduce the swelling.

Weakness: RA may cause a feeling of weakness in the surrounding muscles or throughout the entire body. Patients experiencing weakness may have difficulty completing everyday tasks. Things like lifting grocery bags may be troubling for those with RA because it requires more effort for them than the average person.

Fatigue: Fatigue is common in patients with RA. Understandably, joint pain may make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Around 40% to 80% of people with RA experience clinically relevant fatigue.

If you’re experiencing joint pain from RA, Rejuvinix can help you find relief! Rejuvinix offers nonsurgical joint therapies to help you move with ease. Schedule an appointment today by calling (757) 345-2318 or make an appointment online.