Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells that line that joints. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include joint pain, inflammation and restricted movement. But the autoimmune condition can cause other warning signs in different parts of the body. A report from Daily Express points out four less common signs that you need to watch out for.
Bruising easily
Some rheumatoid arthritis patients may find that they bruise easier than other people, said medical website Everyday Health. It’s caused by the body’s platelet count in the blood to drop, as a result of the condition.
“Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can cause your blood platelet count to dip below the normal level,” it said. “Essentially, your body uses or destroys platelets faster than they’re produced, which can cause you to bruise more easily.”
Anaemia
The second most common type of anaemia is anaemia of inflammation and chronic disease (AI/ACD). The condition is caused by low levels of iron in the blood, despite the body having a normal of iron stored away.
“This occurs because inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis interfere with the way the body uses stored iron and iron from diet,” said the medical website. “Common signs of AI/ACD include weakness, fatigue, pale skin, fast heartbeat and shortness of breath.”
Rash
A painful rash or skin ulcers could be a more serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis. Around half of all patients develop rheumatoid nodules (lumps of tissue) under the skin. These nodules can lead to itchy hands, feet or skin rashes. But, if patients develop inflamed blood vessels, they may have painful skin conditions or mouth sores.
Dry eyes
Rheumatoid arthritis patients can often develop dry eyes. The eye condition, which is known as keratitis sicca, may cause blurry vision or difficulty focusing.
“Dry-eye syndrome is a relatively common symptom in people who have rheumatoid arthritis. Talk to your ophthalmologist/eye doctor about treatment if you have dry eyes. You may want to invest in a humidifier, or consider eye drops.”
