What are the symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis?

Condition analysis:
Joint Pain & Tenderness
Typically joint pain is felt during times when the disease is active. The inflammation can irritate the joint and cause pain. Pain can also be felt when the disease isn’t active because of past damage that has been done to the joint.

Joints may also feel tender to the touch. This is because the inflammation in the joint tissue has affected the nerves within the joint capsule. Any pressure can elicit immediate pain, even from compression during sleep.

Joint Swelling
Joint swelling is caused by the inflammation in the joint capsule. The swelling can range from limited to very noticeable. When joints become swollen it can reduce mobility and range of motion. If swelling affects the hands, it becomes difficult to remove or put on rings.

Joint Redness & Warmth
When joints are swollen it can produce an isolated area of redness on the skin. This is because the skin’s capillaries widen due to the inflammation within the joint capsule. When joints have become inflamed, it is possible to feel warmth on the joint even if no redness is occurring.

Joint Stiffness & Loss of Range of Motion
Stiffness occurs when the disease is in an active state of inflammation. Often stiffness will occur in the mornings but can proceed throughout the day as well. Stiffness, as well as overall joint swelling, can result in the loss of range of motion. In some cases, range of motion can be permanently lost in certain joints.

Joint Deformity
When severe damage has occurred to the joint capsule’s cartilage and bones, the entire joint can become deformed. This is usually the result of chronic rheumatoid arthritis that has gone undetected and untreated.

Instructions:
Use hot and cold therapy: Simple hot and cold treatments can make a world of difference when it comes to arthritis pain. Long, warm showers or baths - especially in the morning - help ease stiffness in your joints. Use an electric blanket or moist heating pad at night to keep your joints loose.

Cold treatments are best for relieving joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. Wrap a gel ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply it to painful joints for quick relief.