What Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Feel Like? Symptoms and Signs in Rosedale, MD

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pain is a deeply personal and often life-altering experience. Our patients commonly describe RA pain as a persistent, aching discomfort that can fluctuate in intensity throughout the day. Many feel a deep, throbbing sensation within their affected joints, often accompanied by morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of rest. This can make simple tasks—like getting out of bed or gripping a coffee cup—challenging and frustrating.

Our team frequently observes that this joint pain is not only constant but can also become sharp or stabbing during flare-ups. Swelling and warmth in the joints are typical, and many of our patients notice the pain worsens with activity or pressure. RA pain usually affects joints on both sides of the body, such as both knees or wrists, and can significantly disrupt daily routines and sleep.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that often develops gradually, making its early signs easy to overlook. At Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we understand how crucial early recognition and treatment of RA can be for preserving joint function and overall quality of life.

One of the earliest warning signs of RA is persistent joint pain, often starting in the smaller joints such as those in the fingers and toes. This pain is typically symmetrical, affecting both sides of the body.

Morning stiffness lasting longer than thirty minutes is another classic early symptom we see at our clinic. Unlike the brief stiffness of osteoarthritis, RA-related stiffness can last an hour or more. Swelling, warmth, or redness in the affected joints can also occur in the early stages. While swelling may not always be dramatic, it’s often accompanied by tenderness when pressure is applied.

In addition to joint-specific symptoms, many people with early RA experience unexplained fatigue that seems out of proportion to their activity level. This fatigue may develop weeks or months before any joint symptoms appear. Some individuals also notice a low-grade fever or unintended weight loss as part of their initial presentation.

If you are experiencing ongoing joint pain, swelling, or stiffness—especially when accompanied by fatigue or fever—it’s important not to ignore these symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for effective management of rheumatoid arthritis, helping prevent joint damage and improve long-term outcomes.

RA is an autoimmune condition known for causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, it can also produce a range of systemic symptoms that impact your overall health and quality of life.

Two common—but often overlooked—symptoms of RA are fatigue and fever:

• Fatigue: Many patients we see report experiencing significant fatigue—a persistent feeling of tiredness and lack of energy that can interfere with daily activities. This fatigue is often severe and does not improve with rest. It is believed to result from ongoing inflammation in the body, as well as the emotional and physical demands of managing a chronic disease like RA.

• Fever: Some individuals with RA may also develop a low-grade fever. This occurs because the inflammation associated with RA can trigger the immune system to release chemicals (cytokines) that may slightly elevate body temperature. However, a high fever is less common and could be a sign of infection or another medical issue, which is especially important to consider for patients taking immune-suppressing medications. If you are a patient at Nasseri Clinic and experience a high fever, please contact us promptly for evaluation.

At the Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, we understand how deeply rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect every aspect of your daily life. RA is an autoimmune condition that primarily targets the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. These symptoms can make routine tasks—such as dressing, cooking, cleaning, or even holding objects—much more challenging, especially when RA affects the hands, wrists, or knees. Many of our patients report morning stiffness, which can make it difficult to start the day and manage a normal morning routine.

Chronic pain and fatigue associated with RA often lead to decreased physical activity. This can create a cycle of muscle and joint weakness, further limiting your ability to perform everyday tasks independently. At Nasseri Clinic, our team works closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address not only the physical symptoms of RA, but also strategies to maintain independence and self-confidence.

We recognize that RA is more than just a physical condition. Flare-ups, or periods of increased disease activity, may severely impact your ability to work, engage in hobbies, or participate in social activities. Persistent pain and limited mobility can affect your emotional well-being, potentially leading to frustration, anxiety, or depression. Many individuals also experience sleep disturbances due to pain, which can further affect mood and energy levels.

At the Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, our dedicated team is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis. Led by Dr. Nasser Nasseri, our approach focuses on effectively reducing pain and inflammation, improving mobility, and enhancing each patient’s overall quality of life.

The journey begins with a thorough assessment using advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate the severity and progression of rheumatoid arthritis. After an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Nasseri and his team develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Comprehensive Supportive Therapies

At Nasseri Clinic, we believe in a holistic approach to care. In addition to medication, we emphasize the importance of therapy and regular exercise to help maintain joint flexibility, increase muscle strength, and support overall function. Our team work closely with patients to develop safe, effective exercise regimens tailored to individual abilities and limitations.

Nutritional counseling is also beneficial, as research shows that certain dietary adjustments can help reduce inflammation. Our team provides patients with practical advice on anti-inflammatory diets and healthy lifestyle choices.

Ongoing Communication and Emotional Support

We encourage ongoing communication between patients and our care team. The Nasseri Clinic provides a supportive environment where patients can openly discuss any concerns, medication side effects, or changes in symptoms, allowing us to promptly adjust treatment plans as needed.

Empowering Patients for Better Outcomes

At the Nasseri Clinic of Arthritic and Rheumatic Diseases, our mission is to address both the physical and emotional challenges of rheumatoid arthritis. By combining the latest medical advancements with compassionate, individualized care, we strive to help our patients achieve better symptom control, maintain joint function, and lead active, fulfilling lives. For more information, contact us or visit us online to book an appointment! We are located at 9114 Philadelphia Rd, Ste 208, Rosedale MD 21237. We serve patients from Rosedale MD, Parkville MD, Middle River MD, Rossville MD, Overlea MD, and surrounding areas.