Arthritis symptoms: Three 'mystery' signs of painful arthritis you may be missing

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS symptoms usually include joint pain, inflammation, and restricted movement. But there are also some "mystery" signs of arthritis that you may be missing. These are the three unusual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis you shouldn't ignore, including dry eyes and easy bruising

Arthritis is a very common condition that affects more than 10 million people in the UK, according to the NHS. Everyone's aware of the most common symptoms of arthritis, including joint pain and inflammation. But there are also some "mystery" signs of rheumatoid arthritis that you may be missing.

There are a number of different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common. Almost nine million people have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the UK.

The second most common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which affects around 400,000 people.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune condition, whereby the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints.

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The condition usually causes painful swelling and stiffness in the joints.

But rheumatoid arthritis can affect more than just your joints, and you may develop some unusual signs, warned medical website Everyday Health.

Some patients may find that they start bruising more easily, it said. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the blood platelet count to drop below the normal levels, which subsequently leads to easy bruising.

You might also develop skin rashes that cause particularly itchy hands and feet.

"Rheumatoid arthritis can even affect your skin," said the medical website. "About 50 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis develop rheumatoid nodules — lumps of tissue under the skin — and many also experience itchy hands and feet and skin rashes.

"Painful rashes, skin ulcers, or mouth sores may be symptoms of a more serious condition related to rheumatoid arthritis — vasculitis, or inflammation of blood vessels. In rare cases, these inflamed blood vessels can actually stop blood flow."

Rheumatoid arthritis could even affect your eyes, and it's relatively common for patients to develop dry eyes.

Your dry eyes may lead to blurred vision, and it's more likely to occur in women than men. A dehumidifier may help to relieve your dry eye symptoms, patients have reported.

Speak to a doctor if you're worried about the warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis.

Some of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.

The symptoms tend to develop gradually over a few weeks, and they may come and go. There isn't any cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but early diagnosis is absolutely crucial.

Treatments are available that help patients to go months, or even years, between flare-ups.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1409218/arthritis-symptoms-mystery-signs-painful-arthritis-you-may-be-missing-evg