Persistent stiffness, tenderness, and pain in joints may be an early sign of rheumatoid arthritis. Another early sign of RA is joint stiffness. Stiffness may occur in one or two small joints, often in the fingers. It can come on slowly but may last for several days.
What does early RA pain feel like?
A person with RA may feel intense pain in their joints during flares. This may feel like sustained pressure, a burning sensation, or a sharp pain. However, people with RA may also experience periods of remission when they feel few to no symptoms. In addition to causing pain in the joints, RA can affect the whole body.
What does mild RA feel like? Mild RA is the least severe form of this condition. At this stage, you may experience: fatigue.
Can RA come on suddenly?
In a few people with RA -- about 5% to 10% -- the disease starts suddenly, and then they have no symptoms for many years, even decades. Symptoms that come and go. This happens to about 15% of people with rheumatoid arthritis. You may have periods of few or no problems that can last months between flare-ups.
Do RA meds cause weight loss?
Medications. According to a 2016 study , people with RA who take the medication leflunomide (Arava) are more likely to experience weight loss. This medication is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. It can cause diarrhea, nausea, and an upset stomach, any of which may lead to weight loss.