rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Symptoms and Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

In rheumatoid arthritis, many first think of old patients with "crippled" hands. But the disease can also affect young people, as the joint complaints arise due to an autoimmune reaction.

Women are about three times as likely as men. Overall, statistics assume that about one percent of the German population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis: symptoms of joint disease

Swollen and aching finger joints as an arthritis symptom

Swelling, pain and overheating: Arthritis often affects the middle joints of the fingers.
Characteristic arthritis symptoms are joint pain and the so-called "morning stiffness" of the joints. In affected individuals, the first symptoms usually appear at the age of 30 to 50 years.

Symptoms of joint inflammation: In the initial stage often unspecific

Especially in the early stages of the disease, the arthritis symptoms are usually unspecific pronounced. For example, loss of appetite, tiredness, profuse sweating and seemingly groundless weight loss may indicate joint inflammation. Also, a bluish-red discoloration of the skin in the affected joints may be a first sign of osteoarthritis.

Joint pain in arthritis: symptoms

Only when rheumatoid arthritis is more advanced, the characteristic arthritis symptoms in the form of joint discomfort. These affect mostly finger and wrist (symmetrical), but then spread to the toes and other joints such as the knee or hip joints. As a rule, complaints such as swelling, pain and overheating are most pronounced during the night ("nocturnal complaints dominance").

Marking of joint complaints in rheumatoid arthritis:

    Morning stiffness: The joints hurt especially in the morning and are still very stiff. During the day, this morning stiffness can subside
    swelling
    Overheating, redness: typical signs of arthritis
    tenderness
    deformity
    Joint pain: especially at rest and at night
    restriction of movement

Limitation of certain movements (for example, opening a screw cap) to physical disabilities.

Possible consequences of arthritis: organ involvement and other diseases

As the arthritis progresses, additional complaints may be due to involvement of other organs. For example, conjunctivitis or pleurisy in conjunction with arthritis is possible. Inflammation of the pericardium can also occur.

Last but not least, the risk of other medical conditions is increased in the course of diagnosing arthritis. For example, arthritis patients have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Susceptibility to arteriosclerosis or certain infections is also increased.

Arthritis patients should therefore develop a certain sensitivity to new, conspicuous symptoms and, in case of doubt, consult their doctor for early clarification.

Arthritis: causes

The causes of arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis present. The most common form, rheumatoid arthritis, is based on an autoimmune reaction as the cause of progressive joint inflammation. According to the latest scientific findings, a vitamin E deficiency also seems to play a role in inflammatory joint diseases.

Autoimmune disease as a cause of rheumatoid arthritis

In rheumatoid arthritis, there is a malfunction of the immune system, which is directed as part of a so-called "autoimmune reaction" against the body. More specifically, an increased release of cytokine1 attacks the synovial membrane.

As a result, there is a proliferation of the synovial membrane and an inflammation that destroys the joints in the long run. At the same time, the production of cytokines is further increased - a vicious circle is set in motion.

Why the immune system is directed against one's own joints has not yet been conclusively clarified. Experts cite various factors in this context, which probably equally favor the misdirection of the body's defense.

DNA strand: Genetic predisposition or heredity as the cause of joint inflammation

Genetic factors can promote the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
Beneficial factors for rheumatoid arthritis are:

    Genetic factors
    nicotine consumption
    Pathogens such as viruses or bacteria

Inflammatory Joint Disorders: Cause Often Vitamin E Deficiency

According to the most recent scientific findings, a vitamin E deficiency seems to play a certain role in the development of inflammatory joint diseases such as arthritis and arthrosis.

The reason: Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and thus as a scavenger of free radicals, which are increasingly formed in inflammatory joint diseases. At the same time, too little vitamin E is available in inflammatory joint processes.

Tip: The daily intake of high-dose vitamin E of plant origin (for example, as capsules, over-the-counter in the pharmacy) can help to balance the vitamin E deficiency and thus counteract the symptoms.

Learn more about Vitamin E.

Other forms of arthritis: causes

In other forms of arthritis infection with pathogens or allergic reactions play a role as a trigger. Here is a brief overview:
Arthritis form Cause
Bacterial arthritis
Ingress of pathogens into the joint cavity (for example, by bone marrow inflammation, surgery or injury)
Reactive arthritis
Infection with bacteria or viruses outside the joints (for example, after gastrointestinal infection, urinary tract infection)
Allergic arthritis
Allergic reaction for example to medication

Psoriatic arthritis and more: underlying diseases as a cause

Basically, the arthritis can also occur as a concomitant of an underlying disease.

Possible comorbidities of arthritis

    Psoriasis ("psoriatic arthritis")
    Diabetes mellitus
    gout
    Disorders of thyroid function