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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Toledo, OH

Ive read a couple different times how if one joint is hurting on one side of your body, your other side will also. Makes me re think alot about things because ive actually never had same joints on both sides of my body hurt the same time. Lately its been my left heel. Anybody else have just one joint hurt and not both?

October 11, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members shared widely varied experiences in response to a question about whether rheumatoid arthritis always affects matching joints on both... Read more

Members shared widely varied experiences in response to a question about whether rheumatoid arthritis always affects matching joints on both sides of the body, with many confirming that pain often strikes just one side or alternates unpredictably between different joints. Several members offered helpful context, noting that RA can affect both sides without flaring simultaneously, that osteoarthritis may cause single-sided pain while RA tends to be bilateral, and that symptoms can shift or spread over time as the disease progresses. A recurring theme was reassurance that everyone's experience with RA is different and that asymmetrical pain does not mean someone is doing something wrong or that their diagnosis is incorrect.

A myRAteam Member

I never have pain in corresponding joints either. My biggest pain is right thumb and left shoulder.

October 21, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I’ve never had the same joints affected on each side besides my fingers. Thus far my left-side wrist and ankle are affected and my right-side shoulder hip and knee. My doctor says that although it’s not super common, sometimes that happens. Although she did say that as the RA progresses, it will most likely spread to both side joints. But hopefully, since I’m young and we caught it early, that won’t be for decades!

October 15, 2018
A myRAteam Member

My ra started on my right side and when they have been at their worst it has always been my right side..xxxx

October 11, 2018
A myRAteam Member

You may have RA on both sides but they do not necessarily flare at the same time! Thank heavens!

October 11, 2018
A myRAteam Member

My body too does not follow this norm. My right side usually is the side with much more pain & swelling. Sometimes may include other side but not as severe as the other.

October 11, 2018

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