Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doesn’t usually show up as just one symptom. For many people, a mix of pain, fatigue, brain fog, and emotional ups and downs can change from day to day — or even hour to hour.

We reviewed the 150-plus member responses, and one clear theme emerged: Most people experience more than one type of symptom, and which one feels “worst” can change.

Physical Symptoms Have the Biggest Daily Impact

Most members identified physical symptoms as having the greatest impact on their daily lives. Pain, stiffness, and fatigue can all affect movement and daily activities.

Pain and Stiffness That Limit Movement

Joint pain and stiffness can make even simple tasks feel difficult. Many myRAteam members describe pain that moves around or gets worse at certain times of the day.

One myRAteam member shared, “I’m just tired of hurting. I’m tired and have a hard time breathing and walking without my walker. I hate how the pain moves around.”

Another member wrote, “My joints are stiff when I wake up. It’s mainly my arms.”

These symptoms can make it harder to get out of bed, walk safely, or keep up with daily routines.

Fatigue That Drains Energy

Fatigue is also a physical symptom, but it can feel all-consuming. Many members said it affects their ability to function more than pain.

One member said, “Fatigue is the biggest issue for me — hate it.”

“The fatigue is the worst. ... Not being able to get enough rest is draining.”

— A myRAteam member

Another shared, “The fatigue is the worst. Don’t get me wrong, when my joints hurt it is bad, but not being able to get enough rest is draining.”

Mental Symptoms Can Also Be Disruptive

Cognitive symptoms (those affecting thought, focus, or memory), such as brain fog, may be less visible, but they can strongly affect daily life.

Many myRAteam members described difficulty with focus, memory, or the ability to express themselves clearly.

One member shared, “I do have pain in my joints all the time, but I’m more worried about my brain fog. Sometimes I feel lost.”

“I do have pain in my joints all the time, but I’m more worried about my brain fog. Sometimes I feel lost.”

— A myRAteam member

Another wrote, “Brain fog is the worst, followed by anxiety. Not so many aches today.”

These symptoms can affect work, conversations, and confidence, especially when they come on suddenly.

Emotional Symptoms Take a Toll Over Time

Living with RA can also affect emotional well-being. Stress, frustration, and low mood often build over time, especially when symptoms interfere with daily life.

One myRAteam member shared, “The pain is chronic, and that is taking a toll on me. It has led to depression.”

Another said, “Depression hits hard, as I know there are so many things I can no longer do.”

“The pain is chronic, and that is taking a toll on me. It has led to depression.”

— A myRAteam member

These emotional responses are a natural part of managing a long-term condition — especially when symptoms are unpredictable.

For Many People, the Impact Changes Day to Day

A large number of people said their symptoms don’t stay the same — which makes it hard to choose just one. Some days may be dominated by pain. Other days, fatigue or brain fog may take over.

Many members described feeling overwhelmed by the combination of symptoms.

“How do you pick one? I hurt all the time, but sometimes I can’t think, and that is so much bigger of a problem,” one member said,” and then I am so overwhelmed and emotional at times that, in the moment, that is the worst thing ever.”

“How do you pick one? I hurt all the time, but sometimes I can’t think ... and then I am so overwhelmed and emotional at times.”

— A myRAteam member

Another shared, “Physical pain gets my attention, but it leads to brain fog because I can’t focus on anything but the pain, and I’m not sleeping well, which then makes me depressed since I’m limited in activities and/or socializing. It’s a hamster wheel I’d rather not be on!”

This variability is why so many people chose “It varies day to day” in the poll.

Join the Conversation

On myRAteam, people share their experiences with rheumatoid arthritis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Which type of symptom affects your day the most — physical, mental, or emotional? Does it change from day to day? Let others know in the comments below.