5 Early Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you have joint pain, you may assume that it’s because of aging or overuse. While those are two common causes of joint pain, they aren’t the only ones.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints. It’s less common than osteoarthritis (the wear-and-tear type of arthritis) and affects about 1% of the global population, compared to roughly 7-8% for osteoarthritis.

Even though it’s less prevalent, RA can have a greater impact on your overall quality of life because it affects your entire body, not just your joints. 

But how do you know which symptoms are signs of RA and which are signs of wear-and-tear arthritis? 

We’ve got you covered! Our board-certified surgeons at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services can determine the cause of your joint pain during an evaluation in Porterville, Reedley, Visalia, or Tulare, California.

In the meantime, here are five early signs of rheumatoid arthritis. 

1. Morning stiffness lasts longer than expected

It’s normal to feel a little stiff when you wake up, but RA-related stiffness tends to last longer, often more than 3060 minutes. In some cases, it can last for hours.

This stiffness may improve as you start moving, but it’s an important early sign that inflammation is present.

2. You have joint pain in your smaller joints

RA commonly affects smaller joints first, especially in your hands, wrists, and feet.

You may notice: 

• Swelling
• Warmth
• Tenderness when you press on the joint

This inflammation is different from the occasional soreness you might feel after activity.

3. You have symmetrical joint involvement

RA often affects joints on both sides of your body at the same time. This is very different from osteoarthritis or joint injuries.

For example, if your right wrist is swollen or painful, you may notice similar symptoms in your left wrist. This pattern can help distinguish RA from other joint conditions.

4. Your fatigue doesn’t have a clear cause

RA is a systemic condition, which means it can affect your whole body. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis experience ongoing fatigue, even before joint symptoms become more pronounced. 

This fatigue can feel persistent and out of proportion to your activity level, and some describe it as debilitating. 

In fact, fatigue is one of the most common and impactful symptoms of RA. Studies suggest that 42% to over 80% of people report fatigue, and many find it just as limiting, or even more so, than joint pain.

5. Low-grade fever or general feeling of being unwell

Some people with early RA experience mild flu-like symptoms, including a low-grade fever or a general sense that something isn’t quite right.

These symptoms can come and go, which makes them easy to overlook.

What to do if you spot these five early signs of RA

If you’re experiencing persistent joint symptoms, especially stiffness, swelling, or symmetrical pain, get evaluated as soon as possible.

Our two surgeons, Dr. Jonathan Liu and Dr. Huey Tien, start with a thorough assessment. They review your symptoms, examine your joints for swelling and tenderness, and look for patterns that suggest inflammatory arthritis. 

What to expect during an evaluation 

Dr. Liu and Dr. Tien may order blood tests to check for specific antibodies, such as cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP). These blood tests, paired with imaging studies, help confirm an RA diagnosis. Once we’ve confirmed RA, we review your treatment options. 

Our team may prescribe medications that slow disease progression, such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), along with anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and swelling.

Treatment for RA has three goals: controlling your inflammation, relieving symptoms, and preventing joint damage. 

Is it time to schedule an evaluation?

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth getting answers.

To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Liu or Dr. Tien, call the location closest to you or click here to schedule an appointment.