Symptoms of severe rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms of severe rheumatoid arthritis include red, swollen, hot and painful joints, limited mobility, and possibly systemic symptoms such as fatigue and fever. You should seek medical diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible to prevent irreversible damage to your joints. The following will analyze these symptoms and related precautions in detail.

1. Redness, swelling, heat and pain in joints

Severe rheumatoid arthritis patients often experience redness, swelling, fever and severe pain in the joints, especially in the hands, knees and other small joints. This is mainly due to the inflammatory response caused by the abnormal attack of the immune system on joint tissue. Patients may feel more obvious joint stiffness in the morning, and the pain often worsens at night or after activities. For this symptom, doctors usually recommend the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen to relieve inflammation, and use glucocorticoids such as prednisone to control acute attacks in the short term. Treatment targeting the immune system may also be required, including the use of immunosuppressants such as methotrexate to reduce disease progression. Do not buy medicine on your own, and follow the advice of your doctor.

2 Limited mobility and joint deformity

As the disease progresses, the patient's joint movement may be limited, and even deformity or disability may occur. This is mainly because the cartilage and bone tissue of the diseased joints are gradually damaged, resulting in the joints not functioning normally. If the symptoms continue to worsen, basic activities of daily life such as dressing and walking will become difficult for patients. In this case, physical therapy such as joint function exercises and assistive devices such as crutches or joint braces may significantly improve the quality of life. For patients with long-term joint injuries, surgical treatments such as arthroscopic cleaning or artificial joint replacement may be the last choice, but the doctor needs to evaluate whether it is suitable.

3 Systemic symptoms

Severe rheumatoid arthritis is often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, fever, and decreased muscle strength. This is because chronic inflammation spreads throughout the body and may affect other organs such as the heart, lungs, and eyes. If patients feel overwhelmed, it is recommended to communicate with their doctors to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include nutritional support such as antioxidant supplements, optimized adjustment of anti-inflammatory drugs, and psychological support to help cope with chronic diseases.

Severe rheumatoid arthritis may cause irreversible damage and requires early detection and active intervention. If you or your family members experience similar symptoms, you should seek evaluation from a rheumatologist as soon as possible so that a treatment plan can be developed based on your individual situation. Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive fatigue, and exercising appropriately, which can significantly reduce the risk of worsening of the disease.