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    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Guide
    • Overview
      • What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
      • Types
      • RA in Women
      • RA in People of Color
    • Symptoms
      • RA Symptoms
      • Locations
      • Joint Pain
      • Joint Stiffness
      • Flare-Ups & Triggers
      • Symptom Tracking
    • Causes & Risks
    • Tests & Diagnosis
    • Treatment
      • Understanding RA Treatment
      • Disease-Modifying Therapy
      • Symptom Management
      • Complementary & Alternative Treatment
      • Surgery
    • Living With
      • Tips for Living With RA
      • Diet
      • Exercise
      • Mental & Emotional Health
      • Family & Relationships
      • Your Environment
    • Mobility & Assistive Devices
    • Complications
    • Support & Resources
    • View Full Guide

    Symptoms

    Learn about the symptoms of RA and how to deal with joint stiffness, rheumatoid nodules, and more.

    1. RA Symptoms

      1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Symptoms and Complications

        Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms are different for each person who has this long-term disease.

      2. RA Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

        Rheumatoid arthritis can have many symptoms. Some are signs of complications that put your organs, or your life, at risk.

      3. Why RA Is Different for Everyone

        Rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person, partly based on their genes. That means the treatments can differ too.

    2. Locations

      1. When RA Affects Your Hands and Fingers

        Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect any joint in your body, including those in your hands and fingers.

      2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in Elbows

        When you have RA, you’re likely to feel it in multiple joints. There’s a good chance you’ll also feel it in your elbows.

      3. How Does Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Affect Your Shoulders?

        RA is a condition that affects your joints, often in the hands, wrists, and knees. It can also affect your shoulders.

      4. Can You Get Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Knee?

        Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect your knees and many other joints in your body.

      5. Hip Rheumatoid Arthritis

        RA is commonly associated with joints of the hands and wrists, but it can also affect larger joints, such as the hips.

    3. Joint Pain

      1. How to Manage RA Pain: 9 Tips

        Most people with rheumatoid arthritis have some pain. You can take steps to keep it from stopping you.

      2. How to Beat Morning Pain From Rheumatoid Arthritis

        RA in the hip causes pain in the hips, thighs, or groin. Stretching can relieve stiffness and improve range of motion.

    4. Joint Stiffness

      1. Does Joint Stiffness Mean I Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

        Although stiff joints are a classic symptom of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you can also get them for other reasons.

      2. How to Manage Morning Stiffness

        Morning stiffness is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It may also be a symptom of other joint conditions.

      3. Prevent Joint Damage From Rheumatoid Arthritis

        When your rheumatoid arthritis flares up, it's important to prevent damage to your joints.

    5. Flare-Ups & Triggers

      1. 12 RA Triggers to Know

        Part of successful rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management is understanding what triggers your flares.

      2. How to Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares

        RA symptoms can be a rollercoaster. One day, you're feeling good, but the next morning, pain and stiffness can flare up.

      3. Self-Care During RA Flares

        Your RA can flare up by doing too much. Or maybe you did nothing out of the ordinary. You can have a flare for no reason.

      4. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Food Allergies/Sensitivities

        One-third of people with RA say certain foods worsen their symptoms. There’s plenty of evidence to back this up.

    6. Symptom Tracking

      1. How to Track Your Symptoms

        Writing down your RA symptoms helps you remember what happened, when, and what they were like. 

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