Doctors Explain 12 Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms to Know

Summary: If you are always tired, your joints hurt, and you feel achy, you might think you just worked out too hard or are getting older. But doctors say these can be signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease. This means your body’s immune system gets confused and attacks the healthy tissue around your joints instead of fighting off germs.

Unlike regular arthritis that comes with age, RA often starts in the small joints of your hands, wrists, and feet. A major warning sign is waking up with stiff joints that stay stiff for more than an hour. Other symptoms include swollen joints that feel warm to the touch, feeling like you have a flu that won't go away, losing muscle, and even depression. Because RA causes swelling all over the body, it can make you feel completely exhausted.

The good news is that treatments have gotten much better. If you have these symptoms for more than six weeks, seeing a doctor early can help protect your joints and get you back to feeling like yourself.

For more details, see Prevention at prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a71297620/doctors-explain-rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms/ (opens in new tab)