7 Clinical Features of Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are some clinical features commonly found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The clinical features does not have to occur simultaneously at the same time because this disease has a highly variable clinical features.

1. constitutional symptoms, such as fatigue, anorexia, weight loss and fever. Sometimes fatigue can be so great.

2. Symmetrical Polyarthritis especially in peripheral joints, including joints in the hand, but usually does not involve interfalangs distal joints. Almost all diarthrodial joints can be affected.

3. Stiffness in the morning for more than 1 hour : can be generalized but primarily attacks the joints. This stiffness is different from joint stiffness in osteoarthritis, which usually only lasts for a few minutes and is always less than 1 hour.

4. Erosive arthritis is a hallmark of this disease on radiological picture. Chronic inflammation of the joints that results in erosion at the edge of the bone and can be seen on the radiogram.

5. Deformity : destruction of the supporting structures of the joints with the course of the disease. Shift or deviation ulnar fingers, the metacarpophalangeal joint subluxation, boutonniere and swan neck deformity are some common hand deformity in patients. At the foot there is a protrusion (bulge) metatarsal head, which arise secondary to subluxation of the metatarsal. Large joints can also be affected and have a reduction in the ability to move, especially in making the extension motion.

6. Rheumatoid nodules is subcutaneous masses were found in about one third of adult patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. The most frequent location of this deformity is the exchange olecranon (elbow joint) or along the extensor surface of the arm ; however these nodules can also occur in other places. The presence of these nodules is usually an indication of a disease that is active and heavier.

7. Extra - articular manifestations : Rheumatoid arthritis can also attack other organs outside the joint. The heart (pericarditis), the lungs (pleurisy), eyes, and blood vessels can be damaged.