Five warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis
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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system targets affected joints. The result is pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It’s also possible to experience a range of non-joint symptoms.
According to Versus Arthritis (VA), sweating is a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis.
Other symptoms can include:
- Tiredness and lack of energy – this can be known as fatigue
- A poor appetite (not feeling hungry)
- Weight loss
- A high temperature, or a fever
- Dry eyes – as a result of inflammation
- Chest pain – as a result of inflammation.
Are specific joints affected?
According to VA, rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint in the body, although it is often felt in the small joints in the hands and feet first.
“Both sides of the body are usually affected at the same time, in the same way, but this doesn’t always happen,” explains the health body.
It adds: “A few people develop fleshy lumps called rheumatoid nodules, which form under the skin around affected joints.”
How to respond
According to the NHS, you should see a GP if you think you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, so they can try to identify the underlying cause.
“Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis quickly is important, because early treatment can prevent it getting worse and reduce the risk of joint damage,” explains the health body.
“The GP may arrange blood tests to help confirm the diagnosis.”
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How to manage the condition
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can make it hard to perform even basic tasks.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for the painful joint disease but there are things you can do to alleviate symptoms.
Improving your diet can help to bring rheumatoid arthritis symptoms under control.
That’s because a balanced, nutritious diet makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight, says the Arthritis Foundation (AF).
It is important to maintain a healthy weight because excess weight places pressure on the joints.
What’s more, being overweight may make people with rheumatoid arthritis more likely to develop high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Certain dietary decisions also confer direct benefits for managing rheumatoid arthritis.
Fish such as sardines, mackerel, herring, salmon, and snapper have a darker flesh which is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fat.
According to the British Dietetic Association (BDA), in addition to their heart-health benefits, fish oils have been shown to help dampen general inflammation and may help to reduce joint pain and stiffness.
“Try to eat two portions of oily fish a week,” advises the BDA.
As the health body explains, omega-3 fats from plant sources (GLA) such as linseed, evening primrose and borage oils have a weaker effect on reducing inflammation and are of limited benefit.
A Mediterranean-style diet is packed with omega-3 fats and oily fish.
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