An autoimmune disease which affects the joints and skeletal structure, rheumatoid arthritis is a condition which affects millions of people across the world. It can be a difficult disease to diagnose though, as its symptoms can often be mistaken for other ailments. They are also rarely consistent, so they may fade for some time before returning with a vengeance. X-rays are also not always a guaranteed way of spotting the condition, so it helps to know what to look out for – here are some of the warning signs which could indicate that you have rheumatoid arthritis.
If you have had an injury for some time, such as an ankle sprain, that simply doesn’t want to heal, this could be a sign that you have arthritis. This tends to be a sign in younger people and can be anything from joint pain to a swelling. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also a common signifier that you may have arthritis, which is shown by a tingling sensation in the wrist and hands. It is caused by a swelling in the arm which causes the nerves to be compressed – this leads to a sensation much like when you hit your funny bone.
The inflammation of certain joints or areas of the body, such as the front of your foot, can also be a sign that something is wrong. People with arthritis often complain of pain in the heel of their foot due to a swelling of the tissue. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may also notice that your eyes become drier – this is a rare side effect of RA, but it is one to look out for. General fatigue is another signifier that you may be suffering from arthritis, and many people state that they feel stiff and achy in the mornings. If you have these symptoms, be sure to speak to your GP who can diagnose you and offer treatment.
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