21 Common Signs And Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Complications And Health Effects

Healthline

If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can damage your joints and the surrounding cartilage and bones, leading to joint deformities. You may also develop rheumatoid nodules which are small, firm lumps under your skin, on or near affected joints. Aside from joint deformities and rheumatoid nodules, untreated RA can also lead to inflammation, irritation, or infection in other areas of your body, including your eyes, mouth, gums, skin, lungs, blood vessels, and heart. It may put you at a higher risk of lung disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Painful joints can also make it difficult to exercise to help you control your weight. Overweight and obese people with RA are more likely to develop high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis, gout, gallstones, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, and some cancers.