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Rheumatoid
arthritis is a chronic type of
arthritis. Early symptoms of RA
include fatigue, joint pain, and
stiffness. As it progresses,
rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
may feel like the flu, with
achiness, muscle aches, and loss of
appetite. The causes of rheumatoid
arthritis are unknown, although
there may be a genetic component.
Early and effective rheumatoid
arthritis treatment can improve the
prognosis and may help prevent joint
and bone destruction associated with
RA.
Joint stiffness
is a hallmark of rheumatoid
arthritis (RA), a chronic disease
that affects 1.3 million adult
Americans. Resulting from an
abnormal response of the immune
system, rheumatoid arthritis
inflames the soft tissue that lines
the surface of joints (called the
synovium). It is a systemic disease
that not only makes joints stiff and
painful, but can also affect other
parts of your body, such as internal
organs.
By noting
symptoms such as joint stiffness and
seeking early treatment, you can
feel better, slow or stop
progression of the disease, and
minimize joint damage. This allows
you to live a more active, full
life.
How well you can
move an arm, leg, or finger in
different directions reflects the
joint's range of motion. If you
develop joint stiffness, your range
of motion is reduced. Your joint
doesn't move as well as it once did.
Joint stiffness
may occur with or without joint
pain. Other signs and symptoms in
addition to the joint stiffness will
help your doctor figure out what
kind of arthritis you have.
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