Waking up with stiff, aching hands can make simple tasks such as turning a doorknob, getting dressed, or making breakfast surprisingly difficult. When those symptoms keep returning, especially in the same joints on both sides of the body, rheumatoid arthritis may be one condition your healthcare provider considers.

So, what does rheumatoid arthritis feel like? Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, often causes aching or tender joints, swelling, warmth, and stiffness that is especially noticeable in the morning or after sitting still. Many people also experience fatigue, and symptoms may become better or worse at different times.

What Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Feel Like in the Joints?

RA is a chronic autoimmune disease. This means the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, including the lining of the joints, causing inflammation. The hands, wrists, and feet are commonly affected, although RA can involve many other joints. Joint symptoms may include:

• A deep ache or pain when moving or resting

• Tenderness when a joint is touched

• Visible swelling

• Warmth around the joint

• Difficulty fully bending or moving the joint

• Stiffness after waking or being inactive

Morning stiffness is an especially common clue. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, RA-related stiffness typically lasts longer than 30 minutes after waking or resting. The American College of Rheumatology notes that morning stiffness may last more than an hour in some people.

RA also commonly follows a symmetrical pattern. For example, symptoms affecting the right hand may also affect the left hand. Learn more about the typical signs from the NIAMS guide to rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Affect More Than Your Joints

RA can make you feel tired or generally unwell even when joint pain is not your biggest concern. Fatigue and low energy are common, and some people experience occasional low-grade fever or reduced appetite.

Because RA is an inflammatory autoimmune disease, it can sometimes affect areas outside the joints, including the eyes, skin, lungs, heart, blood, and nerves. These problems do not occur in everyone, but new or unexplained symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

How RA Symptoms Can Affect Everyday Activities

Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness can make everyday movements more difficult. Someone with hand or wrist symptoms may struggle with fastening buttons, opening containers, preparing food, or combing their hair. Knee or foot involvement can make walking, bending, or climbing stairs uncomfortable.

Symptoms may also come and go. Periods when symptoms become more noticeable are often called flares. At other times, symptoms can improve substantially. Because each person's experience is different, tracking changes in pain, stiffness, swelling, and energy can give your healthcare provider useful information.

When Should You Talk to a Healthcare Provider?

Persistent joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness deserves medical attention, particularly when several joints or both sides of the body are affected. There is no single test that diagnoses RA. A healthcare provider may use your medical history, a joint examination, blood tests, and imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound to help determine what is causing your symptoms.

Early diagnosis is valuable because RA can cause permanent joint damage. Treatment may include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, known as DMARDs, which help control the underlying inflammatory disease rather than simply relieving pain. Leflunomide is one example of a DMARD used for rheumatoid arthritis.

If your healthcare provider has prescribed leflunomide, you can review product and ordering information for Arava (leflunomide) at Canada Drugs Direct. Do not start, stop, or change an RA medication without speaking with your healthcare provider.

Rheumatoid arthritis can feel different from one person to another, but ongoing joint stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and fatigue are common experiences. If these symptoms are affecting your daily routine, speak with a licensed healthcare professional or rheumatologist about an appropriate evaluation.

This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does early rheumatoid arthritis feel like?

Early RA may begin with mild joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, or fatigue. Symptoms often develop gradually and commonly involve smaller joints such as those in the hands and feet.

How long does rheumatoid arthritis morning stiffness last?

RA stiffness commonly lasts longer than 30 minutes after waking or a long period of rest. In some people, morning stiffness may continue for an hour or longer.

Does rheumatoid arthritis hurt all the time?

Not necessarily. RA symptoms can vary over time. Some people experience flares when pain, swelling, and stiffness worsen, followed by periods when symptoms are less noticeable.

Can rheumatoid arthritis make you feel tired?

Yes. Fatigue and low energy are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Some people may also experience occasional low-grade fever or appetite loss.

How do doctors know whether joint pain is rheumatoid arthritis?

There is no single test for RA. Diagnosis usually involves reviewing symptoms and medical history, examining the joints, and using blood tests and imaging when appropriate. A rheumatologist may be involved in confirming the diagnosis.