Rheumatoid arthritis is a special form of arthritis. This chronic inflammatory condition causes the immune system in the body to mistakenly attack different tissues of your joints. As a result, the lining is damaged and causes painful swelling in various parts, such as the heart, lungs, eyes, or skin. If left untreated, the condition would lead to joint deformity and bone erosion. Therefore, it is important to notice the following early signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis to take preventive measures.
Joint Swelling
A typical symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is the swelling of joints, especially in your feet and hands. This is an obvious indication that these parts are inflamed due to the condition. It can be difficult to notice this sign in the beginning as it only occurs in small joints. Therefore, you might spot initial swelling around the extreme parts of the toes or fingers. It tends to be clearer when rheumatoid arthritis advances. Joint swelling could be followed by many other issues, such as joint pain, soreness, and stiffness. The degree and level of intensity can vary a lot, depending on your condition and underlying trigger. [1]
