Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious autoimmune disorder in which white blood cells attack the cartilage in the joints.  As well, since rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, it can attack other parts of the body in addition to the joints, most commonly the bones, muscles and skin.  Rheumatoid arthritis can range from mild to severe.  It is often exceedingly painful and can cripple its sufferers.  We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are as follows:

• Inflammation, pain and tenderness in the joints, usually the shoulders, the elbows, the wrists, the fingers, the ankles or the toes
• Morning stiffness
• Stiffness after sitting for a long period
• Swelling in at least one joint
• Pain in at least one joint
• Deformity of joints
• Joint swelling
• Joints tender to the touch
• Lumps or nodules under the skin on the forearm below the elbow
• Swollen lymph glands
• Low-grade fever
• Weight loss
• Chronic infections
• Dry mouth
• Eye problems
• X-ray evidence of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to diagnose, as it can mimic many other conditions.  Tests that can help to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Rheumatoid factor – approximately 70 percent of patients have RF antibodies in the blood
• Specific genetic marker HLA-DR4, found in approximately 65 percent of RA patients
• MRI and CT scans can show damage to the soft tissues, muscle, cartilage and joints

It is important to note that during early stage rheumatoid arthritis, all tests may be normal.  The earliest stage, however, is when treatment is most effective.  If you are showing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it is imperative to consult with a rheumatologist as soon a spossible.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The possible causes of rheumatoid arthritis include the following:

• Infection (mycoplasma, bacterial or viral)
• Toxic metal accumulation
• Food allergies
• Vaccinations
• Heredity
• Stress resulting in hormonal disruptions that control inflammation

Why Detoxification is Important?

If there is one thing that seems to be true, it is that autoimmune disease patients have a toxic body. The more discomfort you are in, the more pain you are feeling, the sicker and more toxic you are. Inflammation and irritation are classic signs of a toxic body. Although environmental toxins are not the only cause of the autoimmune process, it may be what is the root cause of the other factors such as candida, viral or bacterial infections.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Resources

General Patient Resources

• Arthritis Foundation

The basics about this disease that affects 1.3 million Americans.

http://www.arthritis.org/rheumatoid-arthritis.php

• Rheumatoid Arthritis . com

Your source for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) information. Find information on understanding RA, living with RA, RA treatments, talking to your doctor, and more.

http://www.rheumatoidarthritis.com/ra/

• National Institute of Arthritis and Muskoloskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

This booklet is for people who have rheumatoid arthritis, as well as for their family members, friends, and others who want to find out more about this disease. The booklet describes how rheumatoid arthritis develops, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated, including what people can do to help manage their disease.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rheumatic_Disease/default.asp

• MD Junction

A community of patients, family members and friends dedicated to dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis, together.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/rheumatoid-arthritis-discussions

• Arthritis Insight

Rheumatoid arthritis forum.

http://www.arthritisinsight.com/forum/forum_topics.asp?FID=8

Medical Resources

• Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers signs, symptoms and treatment of this inflammatory arthritis.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020

• Medicine Net . com

Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation.

http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/article.htm

• Medline Plus

A service of  the US National Library of Medicine

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rheumatoidarthritis.html