Symptom 3. Swelling: A Visible Sign of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Swelling is another common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. It is the body’s response to the inflammation caused by the disease. When the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the tissue lining the joints, it leads to swelling and tenderness in and around the affected joints.
This swelling is not your run-of-the-mill bump or bruise. It is persistent, often lasting for several days or weeks. Moreover, it tends to affect multiple joints simultaneously, typically those of the hands and feet. This widespread swelling serves as a visual marker of the inflammatory process taking place beneath the skin.
Rheumatoid arthritis-associated swelling can also cause the affected joint to appear larger or misshapen. The joint may feel hard to the touch, similar to a firm lump. This symptom, combined with joint pain and stiffness, can make it challenging to use the affected joints for everyday tasks.
In addition to its physical implications, joint swelling in RA can have psychological effects. The visible nature of this symptom can cause self-consciousness or distress, impacting one’s overall quality of life. The social and emotional aspects of joint swelling underscore the broader impacts of RA on well-being.
Lastly, unlike joint pain and stiffness, swelling offers a visible clue to the hidden turmoil within the body. This visibility can play a pivotal role in the early diagnosis of RA, offering concrete proof of the disease’s presence. (3)
