Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

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 Rheumatologist, discusses rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

 Rheumatologist, discusses rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

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Video transcript

Featuring Dr. Kam Shojania, MD, FRCPC

Duration: 1 minute, 12 seconds

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include things like joint swelling and inflammation.

So what people would feel would be swelling around the wrists or fingers, a pain in the balls of the feet, so walking is difficult. Big swollen knees and ankles could be found. But morning stiffness, so stiffness getting up in the morning, of the joints lasting for more than 30 to 60 minutes is quite a typical finding in rheumatoid arthritis.

People with rheumatoid arthritis are often very fatigued, as well. They have flu-like symptoms. They may get nodules under their skin around the elbows and fingers and toes, which we call rheumatoid nodules.

Later on they may develop symptoms in the lungs, such as shortness of breath. But early on it's swelling and pain around the joints. People know that something is wrong. They may not seek medical attention because they might - someone may have told them it's just arthritis, but it really isn't just arthritis. It is something that needs to be caught early.

If you have any questions about rheumatoid arthritis or think you have rheumatoid arthritis, please see your healthcare provider for more information.

Presenter: Dr. Kam Shojania, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC

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97-100 People got two or more of these video questions wrong... ( 8 participated.)

Quiz: Do You Understand Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Questions
 
True
False
1

At first, rheumatoid arthritis usually only attacks a few joints, but over time it affects more.

Explanation:

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, swelling and stiffness. At first, rheumatoid arthritis usually only attacks a few joints, but over time it affects more. Many people experience worse RA pain in the morning or after they’ve been sitting or lying down for awhile. It can also cause fatigue.

2

Rheumatoid arthritis is linked to heart disease.

Explanation:

Unlike some other types of arthritis, the chronic swelling from rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent damage to the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is also linked to heart disease.

3

Biologics are not a good treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis.

Explanation:

Rheumatoid arthritis treatments include disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics (medications produced from living organisms or components of living organisms). Other medication options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and analgesics (painkillers).

4

If you aren’t responding to first-line rheumatoid arthritis therapies, then your rheumatologist may be looking at offering you a second-line therapy.

Explanation:

f you aren’t responding to first-line rheumatoid arthritis therapies, then your rheumatologist may be looking at offering you a second-line therapy. Second-line therapies are a major advance to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and may be pills, injections under the skin or intravenous infusions.

5

Only heavy smoking is linked to an elevated risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Explanation:

In addition to medications for rheumatoid arthritis, canes, crutches and walkers can help people stay mobile. You may also need to make lifestyle changes to manage your condition and reduce your risk of heart disease. Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol. If you smoke, quit – even light smoking is linked to an elevated risk of RA.

This content is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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