There are over 100 different types of arthritis that can develop, but by far one of the most common is rheumatoid arthritis. This is an inflammatory form of arthritis, one that results in joint pain and damage. It is an autoimmune disease, which is a disease that occurs when the body tissues are mistakenly attacked by its own immune system.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness which means that it usually lasts for years even though patients may experience long periods of time with no symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

There are many different rheumatoid arthritis symptoms that may be experienced as a result of the disease. This may include anything from join pain, joint stiffness, ankle tenderness, bouts of mild fever and malaise to dry eyes, neck pain, dry mouth, tiredness, morning stiffness and anemia.

Some people experience no rheumatoid arthritis symptoms while others experience several. The amount and intensity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms that you experience will largely depend on the seriousness of your condition and on how long you have been suffering from it for.

You should also keep in mind the fact that these symptoms are symptoms that are often known by the patient but there are also phase symptoms that are usually only noticeable by a doctor. This is why it is so important that you get in to see your doctor on a regular basis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that usually initially produces very nonspecific signs and symptoms, which are often confused as being associated with other health problems, even some as simple as your basic cold or flu. These symptoms will usually occur bilaterally and symmetrically and may extend to various joints in the body including the knees and elbows.

It is very important that you watch out for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, especially if you have a family history of the condition. This is for many reasons but one of the most major being that rheumatoid arthritis can result in causing temporomandibular joint disease which is a disease that impairs chewing and causes serious earaches.

Although as of yet there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis there are many effective treatment options available, and by working closely together with your doctor you will be able to find a suitable and successful treatment plan and get your arthritis under control. The more you are involved here and the more educated you are on your condition, the better off you are going to be.