Early Symptoms
For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Of all the various types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is said to be the most debilitating. With more than 2 million individuals affected by rheumatoid arthritis in the United States, science has yet to discover a cure for this painful disease. Early symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis usually present after the age of 25 although children have been diagnosed with this type of arthritis.  Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in females, however, it does affect men too.

Early Symptoms For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Early symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis usually occur in the hands and feet.  Swelling, stiffness, redness and sometimes deformity occur at the afflicted site.  If one ankle or hand is affected, typically the other ankle or hand will soon follow. As the disease progresses, the shoulders, neck, jaw and other joints of the body become affected.

Early symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis may also include a host of ailments.  These can include inflammation, weakness in the muscles around the arthritic joints, inflammation of tear ducts, stiffness, and loss of motion, tiredness and a general sense of feeling unwell, weight loss, tingling and/or numbness around the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. For some unknown reason, the immune system (which aids our bodies in fighting off toxins and other harmful substances in the body) starts attacking the tissues which line the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the lining of the heart and lungs. It is important that anyone with rheumatoid arthritis takes steps to boost their immune system. This can be done with many dietary supplements, as well as a proper diet.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects everyone differently, and the severity of each case is unique to each individual. Flare ups may come and go in some individuals. Others may live with the pain of rheumatoid arthritis on a daily basis. While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, no one should throw in the towel. With prescription medication, dietary supplements, and a proper diet many are finding they are able to control and stave off much of the pain and debilitation of rheumatoid arthritis.

Some of the early symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis include symptoms that could also be associated with different diseases and conditions.  If you experience any of the symptoms you should discuss them with your physician, as he/she can run blood tests to determine if you really have rheumatoid arthritis. 

Hopefully some day soon a cure for rheumatoid arthritis will be uncovered, as research continues. Until then, follow the advice of your physician, stay up to date on the newest prescriptions and natural medicines which are on the market, and never give up hope.