It often attacks the tissues, called synovium, that line the joints and tendons. The tissue becomes swollen and covers the joints, destroying bone and cartilage. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. In the early stages of the disease, joint problems are the most common symptoms. A general sense of being tired, or just not feeling quite right, often happens before the slow start of joint pain and swelling.
Morning stiffness is a frequent complaint.
As the disease continues, symptoms may include swelling of different joints in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, and feet. The swelling usually takes place in the same joint on both sides of the body, known as symmetrical swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis may result in pain and deformity. Occasionally, the disease affects other organs of the body, such as the heart, eyes, and lungs. Generally, the first and most common complaint is swelling of the hand at the knuckles, that gives the fingers a spindle shape.