Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis characterized by chronic joint inflammation. It is a progressive disorder that begins with minor systems that become severe over the course of a few weeks or months. Although symptoms vary from one person to the next and can change on a daily basis, many people share a few common characteristics indicative of trouble. Read below to learn some of the most common early warning signs of RA:

1. Fatigue
Fatigue is the first early warning sign of RA. Many sufferers feel tired and fatigued well before any other obvious symptoms. Fatigue can occur weeks before other RA symptoms. Fatigue may come and go from day to day or even on a weekly basis. Some sufferers also experience depression with fatigue.

2. Joint stiffness
Joint stiffness usually starts in the hands and works its way to other joints. This usually occurs slowly over a prolonged period. Both sides of the body are affected by joint stiffness. Early RA sufferers may notice the pain in their fingers and wrist, ankles, shoulders, or knees.

3. Joint swelling
Minor joint inflammation is typical during the early RA onset. When joints swell, they appear larger than normal and oftentimes ache and feel warm to the touch. The swelling can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

4. Morning stiffness
Morning stiffness occurs most commonly during the early morning hours after you wake up and get out of bed, but it can occur at any time of the day. Prolonged periods of inactivity can also worsen the problem. Stiffness worsens over time if it is left untreated.

5. Fever
Fever, when accompanied by joint inflammation and pain, is another sign of RA. A fever higher than 100.3-degrees F, however, is likely a sign of an infection or worse illness rather than one of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Pay close attention to fever should it impact your life since it is your body’s mechanisms to fight off unwanted bacteria/germs.

6. Decreased range of motion
RA causes joint inflammation, which can cause the ligaments and tendons to deform or to become unstable as the disease progresses. Straightening some joints as the disease progresses may not be possible. Regular exercise can minimize the range of motion decrease that RA causes. Gentle exercises improve pain and other symptoms for anyone suffering from RA.

7. Numbness and tingling
Pressure on the nerves causes tingling and numbness in the hands, one of the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. This is known medically as carpal tunnel syndrome. If your hands or joints make cracking noises or squeak when you move, you may suffer from RA.