Rheumatoid Arthritis

The first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain and swelling in the joints of the fingers and wrists accompanied by joint stiffness, especially in the mornings. The pain and stiffness last for hours and usually involve joints on both sides of the body.

As the disorder progresses, the joints will become warm, tender and painful throughout the day, accompanied by body stiffness.

Other symptoms include a low-grade fever, fatigue, malaise, and loss of weight and appetite, all related to the amount of inflammation present.

In advanced rheumatoid arthritis, much of the joint surface is destroyed leading to deformed joints.