Final answer:
Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness, often affecting the hands, feet, and cervical spine. Women around 40 to 50 years of age are commonly affected. Diagnosis involves blood tests and imaging techniques like X-rays, MRI, or arthrography.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the synovial joints. The early signs and symptoms of RA may include painful, swollen, and stiff joints, often affecting the hands, feet, and cervical spine symmetrically. It's crucial to note that RA is more common in individuals around the age of 40 to 50 years and tends to affect more women than men.
The immune system's attack on healthy tissues causes the joint capsule and synovial membrane to become inflamed, leading to cartilage breakdown and pain as bones begin rubbing against each other. During the early stages of RA, affected joints may feel tender, warm, and may appear swollen, and morning stiffness typically lasts longer than half an hour. Recognizing these symptoms promptly leads to earlier diagnosis and treatment, which can involve medications to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, lifestyle modifications like exercise, and in some cases, surgery.
Diagnostics for RA include blood tests to measure levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Imaging techniques such as X-ray, MRI, and arthrography can reveal joint damage and are crucial in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease progression.