Your immune system prevents illness by attacking germs in the body. In some people, the immune system can mistakenly attack healthy tissues, such as the joints.
This is what happens with rheumatoid arthritis, and being able to detect early warning signs is crucial for finding suitable treatment. Here are some early signs of the immune condition to watch for.
The same proteins that cause joint inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to unwanted weight loss. These cytokines can also negatively affect muscle tissue by causing it to become depleted. In addition to medication, eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly can also help combat this symptom.
The inflammatory response that’s caused by rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute to a feeling of extreme tiredness, otherwise known as fatigue. However, this symptom can also result from depression (which commonly accompanies this immune condition) and lack of physical activity. Treating rheumatoid arthritis can alleviate persistent fatigue, but a person may also require lifestyle adjustments and counselling to overcome tiredness.
Joint dysfunction is a defining characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. Joint problems usually begin with the fingers, hands, and feet, and a person may feel minor tenderness, pain, and problems with mobility due to inflammation. Having these symptoms assessed as soon as possible ensures timely treatment while also ruling out other health conditions.
The inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis can lead to numerous health effects, including mild fever. This symptom results from the immune system response that causes rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, similar to how the body fights off an infection when ill with a cold or flu. Along with other treatments, you can reduce fever by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen.