What are indications of rheumatic arthritis?

Morning stiffness: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classically associated with stiffness of joints after long periods of rest, especially after waking up in the am. It can affect small (hand and foot) joints and medium (ankles, wrists) sized joints also. This is main symptom people have with ra. This is in contrast to "wear and tear" arthritis (i.e. Osteoarthritis). This gets worse with activity and better with rest.

Joint pain, swelling: Classics symptoms and signs of RA include joint pain and swelling with the most common joints being those of the fingers, the wrists, knees and feet. Morning stiffness with often bilateral (involving each side) symptoms is also common. All that being said, many patients do not have a classic presentation, and physicians must have a high index of suspicion to diagnose ra.