What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation, which results in joint swelling and chronic joint pains. As the disease progresses, RA symptoms may spread to other parts of your body, including your fingers, toes, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles.
RA often affects both knees and hands in symmetrical patterns. For example, if one knee or one hand is affected, the opposite one usually is too. But there are also unusual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis that are not joint-related.
Why Are RA Symptoms Important?
It is estimated that around 40% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may experience non-joint related symptoms, affecting areas such as the skin and eyes. Despite this, the precise causes of RA remain unknown. The disease typically manifests suddenly, followed by periods of symptom-free years or even decades.
RA symptoms are important because by addressing RA symptoms promptly and effectively, individuals can take proactive steps towards safeguarding their joints from potential harm. Although there is no one-size-fits-all way to prevent RA, there are some steps to reduce the risk of joint damage.
Regarding rheumatoid arthritis (RA), some unusual symptoms may not immediately come to mind. These symptoms may not be commonly associated with RA but can still be experienced by individuals with the condition. It’s important to be aware of these unusual symptoms as they can provide valuable insights for early detection and effective management of RA.
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by various symptoms that individuals should be aware of. These symptoms may include:
- Joint pain: Persistent pain, tenderness, and swelling in the joints are common signs of RA.
- Stiffness: Morning stiffness lasting 30 minutes or longer can be a characteristic symptom.
- Fatigue: Experiencing chronic fatigue and lack of energy is often associated with RA.
- Decreased movement: RA can lead to decreased flexibility and limited range of motion in affected joints.
- Swelling: Inflammation of the joints can cause visible swelling and discomfort.
Unusual Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
1. Snoring and Trouble Breathing
Trouble breathing is one of the unusual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Lungs are often affected by rheumatoid arthritis, especially if the disease has been poorly managed for a long time. Shortness of breath, accompanied by a chronic cough and/or fatigue, may indicate lung scarring due to chronic inflammation.
Sleep apnea and snoring has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis. It may be accompanied by interrupted breathing and gasping for air. Sleep apnea can cause headaches and contribute to fatigue because the body doesn’t take in enough oxygen at night.
2. Ear Problems
If you have RA, you’re at an increased chance of developing ear problems, including hearing loss and autoimmune ear diseases. Because RA affects the tiny bones and joints in the inner ear, researchers have found that hearing loss, tinnitus (a constant ringing, buzzing, or whistle in the ears), and balance problems can be linked to rheumatoid arthritis. Such hearing problems typically appear in older people who have been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for many years.
Some hearing problems are reversible—for example, stopping using NSAIDs may reverse symptoms. Others may be permanent. Even if changes to hearing are permanent there are steps that can be taken to stop or at least slow down future hearing loss.
3. Numbness and Tingling in the Hands and Feet
RA can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and fingers. The symptoms are caused by compression of the median nerve, which runs through the wrist. People with RA are also at an increased risk.
Numbness and tingling can also occur in the feet due to peripheral neuropathy, which is a condition that causes damage.
4. Dry Eyes and Mouth
RA can cause inflammation of the tear glands, which can lead to dry eyes. The condition is called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or “dry eye syndrome.” It can also cause inflammation of the salivary glands, which can lead to a decrease in saliva production. This condition is called xerostomia, or “dry mouth.”
People with RA are also at an increased risk of developing Sjögren’s syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease that causes dryness in the eyes, mouth, and other parts of the body.
5. Skin Problems
RA can cause a variety of skin problems, including rashes, dryness, and itching. People with RA are also at an increased risk of developing psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin.
RA can also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is a condition that causes the fingers and toes to turn white or blue in response to cold temperatures or stress.
In rare cases, RA can also cause vasculitis, which is a condition that causes inflammation of the blood vessels.
6. Gum Disease
One of the unusual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is gum disease. Both gingivitis and periodontitis are associated with rheumatoid arthritis, and both can lead to gum damage, tooth loss, and worsening RA symptoms.
Regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene at home, and regular visits to the dentist may help improve your oral health and ease some of the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, including joint pain and swelling.
7. Chronic Cough
Chronic cough is one of the unusual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect other parts of the body besides joints, including your lungs. One of the lung complications related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chronic cough is among one of the unusual symptoms of RA outside the joints.
These are just a few examples of the unusual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. If you suspect that you may have RA, it is essential to speak with your doctor soon to treat RA.
What to Eat or Avoid with RA?
There is no one-size-fits-all diet for people with RA. However, some general dietary guidelines may help ease RA symptoms and reduce inflammation and reduce unusual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Some of the best foods to eat if you have RA include:
– Fruits and vegetables: These are high in antioxidants, which can help protect against inflammation.
– Omega-three fatty acids: These are found in fish, nuts, and seeds and can help reduce inflammation.
– Whole grains: These are high in fiber and other nutrients that can help reduce inflammation.
– Lean protein: This is important for people with RA because it helps repair tissue damage and maintain muscle mass.
– Low-fat dairy: This can help reduce inflammation and provide the nutrients needed for bone health.
You should avoid some foods if you have RA, as they can trigger or worsen common and unusual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These include:
Refined carbohydrates: They are found in processed foods, white bread, and pastries. They can cause inflammation.
– Trans fats: These are found in fried foods, processed meats, and margarine. They can increase inflammation.
– Saturated fats: These are found in fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and butter. They can also increase inflammation.
– Alcohol: This can trigger RA symptoms and increase inflammation.
– Nightshade vegetables: These include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. They can trigger RA symptoms in some people.
If you have RA, it’s essential to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It would help if you also avoided refined carbohydrates, trans fats, saturated fats, alcohol, and nightshade vegetables.
What to Do If You Suspect You Have RA
Rheumatoid Artirit has inflammation-related symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation. However, some of the RA symptoms are often common with other diseases. That’s why although symptoms like fatigue, fever and weight loss are RA symptoms, suspecting that you have RA based on these symptoms below may not give you a clear answer.
Speaking with your doctor is essential to understand if you have rheumatoid arthritis. That’s why if you suspect you may have RA, have a check-up and necessary measurements under medical supervision.
Is it Possible to Treat Unusual Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis through Fasting?
Yes, it is. Because fasting programs provide an effective purification and regeneration in the body by starting the natural autophagy process in which the body destroys old, damaged and dead cells.
During a water fasting program, you limit eating for a certain period and drinking only water throughout the day makes it easier for the body to cleanse, heal and regenerate itself. This way, you can prevent and eliminate both common and unusual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Juice fasting programs also promote cell growth, they help heal the body by providing antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to the cells and supporting the immune system, digestive system and excretion system to eliminate toxins released from the body during metabolism. To learn more about anti-inflammatory detox guide by clicking here for free.
Intermittent fasting, which involves calorie restriction on specific days, has also shown promise in managing RA symptoms. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects that may help alleviate the symptoms associated with the condition.
INSPIRING RESULTS
Krystle's Water Fasting Experience
“The effects of rheumatoid arthritis decreased after the water fasting program, first on the hands and feet, then on the whole body.”
Learn about Water Fasting Program at TheLifeCo
Frequently asked questions about Rheumatoid Arthritis
What was your first symptom of RA?
Many people with RA often have one of the multiple joint problems as the first symptom, such as swelling, stiffness, pain or redness.
What foods should be avoided with rheumatoid arthritis?
According to various sources, grilled, broiled, or fried meats, fatty foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids, sugars and refined carbohydrates, gluten, preservatives and flavor enhancers, and alcohol are foods to avoid if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
How do you slow down rheumatoid arthritis?
Do you feel ill with rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects joints by inflaming them. When your body has inflammation, it leads to extreme exhaustion, also known as ‘fatigue’.
What are red flags for rheumatoid arthritis?
Experiencing frequent flares, pain, stiffness and swelling can indicate RA getting worse.
How do you know if your rheumatoid arthritis is getting worse?
How can I be sure I have rheumatoid arthritis?
What triggers RA to start?
How long can you have RA without knowing?
It is estimated that around 40% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may experience non-joint related symptoms, affecting areas such as the skin and eyes. Despite this, the precise causes of RA remain unknown. The disease typically manifests suddenly, followed by periods of symptom-free years or even decades.
