RA mainly attacks the joints, usually many joints at once. RA commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. In a joint with RA, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing damage to joint tissue.

What part of the body does rheumatoid arthritis affect?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

Where does inflammation start in rheumatoid arthritis?

Recent findings: Systemic inflammation and autoimmunity in RA begin long before the onset of detectable joint inflammation. Emerging data suggest that RA-related autoimmunity may be initiated at a mucosal site years before the onset of joint symptoms.

Where is rheumatoid arthritis most common?

The joints involved most frequently are the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the hands, the wrists, and small joints of the feet including the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. The shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles are also affected in many patients.

What parts of the body does arthritis affect?

Arthritis can cause painful, swollen knees or fingers that are impossible to ignore. But other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes and lungs can also be affected.

Does rheumatoid arthritis hurt all day?

In addition to pain, this disease causes stiffness in the affected joints. You may have difficulty getting out of bed or walking in the morning because of stiff and painful ankles, knees, or feet. This stiffness is usually worse in the mornings and can last for 45 minutes or more.

How do I know I have rheumatoid arthritis?

RA often starts in just a few joints, such as the hands or feet. People may also notice that they feel a bit stiff in the morning, and they may experience flu like symptoms. One man set out for a run one morning and found his ankle swollen and painful, and later other joints hurt.

Does arthritis pain move to different parts of the body?

Pain in a specific joint may lead you to suspect arthritis or another health condition. When the pain stops and moves to a joint in another part of your body, you may be experiencing migratory arthritis. Migratory arthritis can also cause: redness from visibly swollen joints.

Why am I in so much pain with rheumatoid arthritis?

Causes of rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system (which usually fights infection) attacks the cells that line your joints by mistake, making the joints swollen, stiff and painful. Over time, this can damage the joints, cartilage and nearby bone.

What was your first RA symptom?

Persistent stiffness, tenderness, and pain in joints may be an early sign of rheumatoid arthritis. Another early sign of RA is joint stiffness. Stiffness may occur in one or two small joints, often in the fingers. It can come on slowly but may last for several days.