You may notice discomfort initially in a few joints, eg your fingers, knuckles, wrists or the balls of your feet. Typically RA is a 'symmetrical' arthritis-this means it affects both wrists or both hands in the same way. For most people, RA develops quite slowly at first. Other people find the condition comes on quickly and painfully, making it difficult to carry out daily activities. Symptoms include:pain and swelling around the joint, making it tender and warm; stiffness in the morning, or if you sit for a long time; poor grip strength; tiredness, making you feel irritable and depressed; flu-like symptoms, eg fever; weight loss; and rheumatoid nodules-fleshy lumps that usually appear on your hands, feet and elbows.
Attribution: BUPA