Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the joints, although it can also impact other parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis affects each person in a slightly different way.

Symptoms of RA depend on the severity of the condition and can appear or disappear at any time. Symptoms worsen during exacerbations (called flares or flare-ups) and may subside during periods of remission. RA is a progressive disease, meaning joint damage tends to worsen over time. Joint damage caused by RA cannot be reversed.

Although most people think of RA as a disease of the joints, it’s actually a systemic disease that can cause inflammation in many parts of the body. Treatment can effectively manage many RA symptoms and slow progression. Talk to a rheumatology expert if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

The Most Common Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

When considering the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it’s helpful to remember that RA primarily affects the joints. It can also cause someone to feel generally unwell.

Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Swelling

Rheumatoid arthritis usually starts in the small joints of the hands and feet. Most of the time, when someone first develops the condition, one or more of these joints might feel stiff. Moving those joints will be painful, and the joint may be tender if you touch it. Over time, more joints may be affected, with most people experiencing polyarthritis (symptoms in at least five joints). Joints affected by RA may feel warm and show signs of swelling, too.

Watch rheumatologist Dr. Ashira Blazer walk through meditation techniques that can help ease arthritis symptoms.

As rheumatoid arthritis worsens, larger joints may be affected, too. This includes joints like the knees, elbows, wrists, ankles, shoulders, and more. The same joints are usually affected on both sides of the body at the same time.

Some people experience joint stiffness that’s worse when they haven’t been using the joint or when they’ve been resting. The stiffness is characteristically worse in the morning after waking up. It may resolve over time, as they move around and use the joints, but it can last for 45 minutes or longer.

Baker’s Cysts

Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause Baker’s cysts. These are small bumps filled with fluid that can form on the back part of your knee. They happen when you’ve experienced swelling in your knee and extra fluid drains into the back of the knee.

You may or may not have symptoms like knee pain, problems bending your knee, swelling in your knee and leg, and knee stiffness. If the cyst ruptures, it can cause sharp pain and significant joint swelling. If you suspect a Baker’s cyst, see a healthcare provider right away to avoid complications.

If joint symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis aren’t treated, you can end up with serious damage that can’t be reversed. Constant inflammation in your joints can damage tendons, cartilage, and bone, and can cause deformities in the affected joints. That’s why it’s key to get an accurate diagnosis and find effective treatment options for RA.

Fatigue and Mood Changes

Rheumatoid arthritis often comes alongside experiencing significant fatigue, feeling generally unwell, and feeling down or depressed. Some people find extreme fatigue hard to deal with.

Fever and Appetite Changes

RA can also cause a fever and make you feel like you don’t want to eat. Most of the time, fevers are low grade. Weight loss can occur if your appetite is low for an extended period of time.

Other Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Inflammation associated with RA can affect your body beyond your joints. Here are a few of the organs and systems in the body that RA can affect and the most common issues people experience.

Eye Symptoms

Inflammation in your eyes can cause them to look red and become dry and painful. They may become sensitive to light, and you may have trouble seeing as well as you used to.

Eye dryness is associated with another autoimmune disease called Sjögren’s disease. Between 10 percent and 15 percent of people with RA also have this condition. If you have Sjögren’s, you’ll likely have a dry mouth too.

RA is also associated with inflammation in part of your eye called the sclera. This can lead to scleritis, which may require treatment by an eye doctor.

Skin Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect your skin in several ways. Skin may become dry, pale, and extremely thin, especially among people who take corticosteroid treatment. Some people may have red or otherwise discolored palms, but this is not common.

You may also develop rheumatoid nodules under your skin. These are most common on the lower part of the arm, but they can occur anywhere. People don’t usually have any other symptoms connected to these, except for the visible lumps.

Lung Symptoms

Inflammation in the lungs can lead to several conditions, including pulmonary fibrosis and pleurisy. The symptoms associated with these conditions are shortness of breath, persistent cough, and chest pain. People with RA that affects their lungs may not be able to take in as much air or expel as much carbon dioxide per breath.

Heart Symptoms

RA can cause inflammation around the heart, called pericarditis. This condition causes chest pain. Inflammation can also damage the heart muscle directly.

Blood Vessels

Inflammation around the blood vessels can cause them to thicken. This can also cause them to narrow and weaken. It leads to a condition called vasculitis, which can make it harder for your organs to get the blood they need.

RA inflammation is also associated with the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which may lead to heart disease. Getting RA treatment early could help you avoid heart problems later on.

At What Age Do Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Appear?

In the majority of cases, rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 and 60. Some experts distinguish between young-onset RA (diagnosed between ages 16 and 40) and later-onset RA (diagnosed after age 60).

Do Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Go Away?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that does not currently have a cure. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may appear during a flare and diminish during a remission period. In most people, symptoms can be effectively treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Effective treatment can help people with RA enter sustained periods of remission from symptoms and flares.

What Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Look Like?

Rheumatoid arthritis can show up as fingers that twist and point outward. People living with RA might also have swollen or disfigured joints, such as toes that curl up (clawed toes) or that twist and overlap with one another.

Do You Have Pain Every Day With Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Every person will experience RA differently. Some may have pain every day, while others only have stiffness. Some may only experience pain during a flare. Talk to your rheumatologist if you’re experiencing a lot of pain so you can find a treatment that will help address your symptoms and help you get into remission.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myRAteam, the social network for people with rheumatoid arthritis and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with RA.

What symptoms of RA do you experience? Which ones affect your life the most? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.