People with rheumatoid arthritis may have a mild course, occasional flare-ups with long periods of remission without disease, or a steadily progressive disease, which may be slow or rapid.

Rheumatoid arthritis may start suddenly, with many joints becoming inflamed at the same time. More often, it starts subtly, gradually affecting different joints. Usually, the inflammation is symmetric, with joints on both sides of the body affected. Typically, the small joints in the fingers, toes, hands, feet, wrists, elbows, and ankles become inflamed first. The inflamed joints are usually painful and often stiff, especially just after awakening (such stiffness generally lasts for at least 30 minutes and often much longer) or after prolonged inactivity. Some people feel tired and weak, especially in the early afternoon. Rheumatoid arthritis may produce a low-grade fever.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

>Symptoms first begin in the small joints of the fingers, wrists and feet, with warm, swollen and tender joints that are painful and difficult to move.

>Joints of both sides of the body (symmetrical) are typically affected.

>People with RA often experience fatigue, loss of appetite and low-grade fever.

>There is often stiffness in the morning that lasts for several hours or more.

>Nodules may form under the skin, often over the bony areas exposed to pressure (such as the elbows).

>Over time, damage to the cartilage and bone of the joints may lead to joint deformities.

What are the warning signs of psoriatic arthritis?

1.Pain and swelling in the fingers or toes.
2.Fingernails or toenails lifting up from the skin orgetting small holes in them (known as pitting).
3.Pain and swelling over tendons and ligaments.
4.Reduced range of motion.
5.Morning stiffness and tiredness.