Rheumatoid arthritis findings generally fluctuate. In other words, while there is an increase in joint complaints, sometimes there are periods when it calms down and settles down.
The most common findings are:
Joint pain and swelling
Joint stiffness
Fatigue and depression
Anemia
Weight loss
Inflammatory diseases of the eyes
Painless masses of a few centimeters (rheumatoid nodule) felt in the subcutaneous tissue
Rarely, inflammatory processes in other organs and tissues (Ex: Lungs) , blood vessels, pericardium, etc.)
In general, the symptoms begin with a slow course. Often there is a feeling of discomfort, swelling in small joints such as hands, feet, hands and ankles, and stiffness and difficulty in movement, especially when waking up in the morning. Rarely, it causes severe joint pain and swelling in many joints, causing the person to become unable to continue his daily life. Even if the joint symptoms are mild, they can make you feel tired and weary. Anemia (anemia) is a finding often seen in patients with active RA. Although anemia can sometimes occur as a side effect of medication, it is generally seen as a part of the inflammatory process that causes the disease. Some people who are not adequately controlled with treatment may also experience weight loss.
Although rheumatoid arthritis is primarily a disease of the joints, it can also cause disturbances in other tissues of the body. It can often cause inflammation in the tendons that connect the muscles to the bones. It can cause inflammatory processes in the eyes, blood vessels, lungs, pericardium.
Rheumatoid nodules are small masses of a few centimeters, firm or medium hard, usually painless, located under the skin. Although it is usually around the elbow, it is sometimes seen in the hands and feet, and sometimes in the lungs.
