Rheumatoid Arthritis - 8 Early Warning Signs

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a disease whose early symptoms are minor and transient. Such symptoms are usually seen on both sides of the body. It may take weeks or even months for the disease to become severe enough to cause damage.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. It is triggered by a faulty immune system. When the immune system begins to attack and destroy the tissue in the joints, this condition is called RA. It usually affects the wrist and small joints of the hand, including the knuckles and the joints of the fingers. The problem can spread to other organs like the eyes, heart and lungs.

Knowing the early signs can help you detect the problem and get prompt treatment at the preliminary stages. This will save you and your doctor a lot of worry. 

Early signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Fatigue: You may feel unusually tired without having done anything physically intensive. This sign is seen weeks before all the other symptoms. This persistent feeling may be mild at first.

2. Morning stiffness: Getting up from bed may gradually become more difficult as the disease progresses. This stiffness may last for just a few minutes at first. Later on, the stiffness can be felt for several hours.

3. Joint stiffness: Stiffness in small joint of the hands is the most common sign of RA. This stiffness can arise at any time of the day. The stiffness can spread to other joints as the disease progresses.

4. Joint pain: Stiffness in the joints is followed by pain. Whether at rest or in motion, the pain continues unabated. Usually, both sides of the body are affected. Some people feel pain in the hands, ankles, shoulders and knees. Common sites of pain are fingers and the wrists.

5. Minor joint swelling: The inflammation can cause some of the small joints to swell. The swollen joint may feel warm. Such flare-ups can last a few days or a few weeks.

6. Fever: Many people also suffer from a low-grade fever along with the joint swelling. If the temperature never goes above 100°F (38°C), then it is a sign that you may have RA.

7. Numbness and tingling: Tendons are affected by the inflammation and become stiff, which puts pressure on the nerves, causing numbness and tingling. The gradual damage to the cartilage makes cracking or squeaking sounds in the joints.

8. Decreased range of motion: The inflammation causes the tendons to become deformed or unstable. This means you will be unable to move around as you used to.

How to manage Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Take a break: When you feel tired, stop what you are doing and take a short break. This will prevent injuries and allow you to recover quickly. Sit in a quiet corner and count your breaths. This will take your attention away from the fatigue. 

2. Keep up your daily activities: It is better to maintain your daily schedule. This will add a degree of normalcy in your life and provide you with a routine to follow.

3. Use heat packs: In order to control the pain, you can apply a heat pack on the affected region. This will increase blood circulation temporarily and relieve the tension in the muscles.

4. Join a support group: This will give you access to the experience of other fellow sufferers. Joining a group will also combat the feeling of loneliness and social isolation.

5. Do light exercise: Try to do light aerobic exercise at least thrice a week. This will keep your joints and muscles active while reducing the risk of becoming obese.

6. Eat a balanced diet: Take plenty of brightly-coloured fruits, leafy green vegetables and nuts in your daily diet.

7. Avoid alcohol and tobacco: These will only increase the intensity of the inflammation and worsen the symptoms of RA.  

We at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution are confident of our unique treatment plan. We have received thousands of enthusiastic reviews and testimonials from our patients that Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy work together to rid one of pain in an effective and affordable manner. To avail of our services or to give your valuable feedback, call us at 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or message us on WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

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