Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful condition which affects around one percent of the UK population. If left untreated, it can become an excruciating condition that stops people from being able to work or go about their daily life. But do you know these four unusual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and the most common form of arthritis in the UK.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes your immune system to target the cells in your joints, rather than fighting infection, which means your joints become painful and swollen.
Women are twice as likely as men to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful condition that can make everyday life difficult and painful.
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There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but an early diagnosis can be a crucial step towards making the condition manageable.
Although the main effects of rheumatoid arthritis are felt in the joints, it can have all sorts of effects on your body.
So, if you have any of these four surprising symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you should not ignore them – and seek advice from your doctor.
Chest Pain
Did you know that rheumatoid arthritis puts you at a higher risk of heart disease?
Stomach pain and indigestion
Both rheumatoid arthritis and medicines you might be prescribed to treat it can lead to stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, acid reflux, diarrhoea and constipation.
The inflammation as a result of rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the colon, making colitis more likely.
In rare cases, pain in your stomach can be a sign of a serious complication called rheumatoid vasculitis where your blood vessels become inflamed.
In the case of rheumatoid vasculitis, your stomach pain might be accompanied by a lack of appetite and weight loss.
If you have any of these symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you should see your doctor or call 111.