6 main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (with online test)

The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are stiffness in the joints, especially when waking up, swelling and redness in the joints and deformity in the region, mainly affecting the hands and wrists.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies against the body’s healthy cells, causing inflammation in the joints and leading to the appearance of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Read too: Rheumatoid arthritis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, it is important to consult a rheumatologist so that symptoms can be assessed and tests can be recommended to confirm the diagnosis so that treatment can begin.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:

1. Joint pain, especially when waking up;
2. Swelling and redness in one or more joints;
3. Difficulty moving the joint, due to stiffness, being more noticeable in the morning;
4. Decreased strength at the affected joint site;
5. Excessive tiredness;
6. Joint deformities, which can interfere with daily activities.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis typically affect the hands and wrists, however, in some cases, it can also affect the cervical and lumbar spine. Although rare, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the skin, nails, eyes, nervous system and heart, for example.

Symptom Test

To assess your risk of having rheumatoid arthritis, select your symptoms from the following test:

The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace a consultation with a rheumatologist.

What to do in case of suspicion

If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, it is recommended that a rheumatologist be consulted, as this will allow an assessment of the signs and symptoms presented to be carried out and tests to help confirm the diagnosis, such as imaging tests, such as X-rays. X, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound, and in the laboratory, such as measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) and measuring rheumatoid factor, for example.

Make an appointment with your nearest rheumatologist to evaluate the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis:

After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor can recommend the best treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease, which may involve the use of anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or biological agents, for example. Additionally, physiotherapy may be recommended to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints. In cases where there are deformities in the joints, physiotherapy may be recommended by the doctor. See more details on the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.