What are the symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis? If you want to know, then read on:

• Rheumatoid arthritis causes the inflammation of the joints. This is also caused as well by the inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the joints. So what are the symptoms? If you experience red, puffy hands, joint pain and swelling; morning stiffness, as well as weight loss and fever, then chances are you have rheumatoid arthritis. The early stages of rheumatoid arthritis will start at your lower joints. You will have difficulty moving your hands, wrists, feet, and ankles. By the time the disease has penetrated the system, it will move from your shoulders, knees, hips, neck, jaw, and elbows.
• You need to consider that the symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis could come and go, and the severity of the pain could vary as well. Some can be alleviated by taking pain relievers and other times, the pain wouldn't go away. If this is the case, and the pain is becoming persistent, it is time for you to take a trip to the doctor. 
• So, if those are the symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis, what are the causes? No one has found the real reason why rheumatoid arthritis happens. Although it is seen that genetics has something to do with people who are most likely to suffer from this disease. This can also be contracted because of the environment and rheumatoid arthritis happens when your immune system attacks the lining of the membranes around your joint. Because of that, this will inflame the lining affecting the bone and cartilage located in the joint. This will also weaken the ligaments and tendons. 
• To treat this, there are different medications that can help you cope with your problem. You will be prescribed to take steroids, NSAIDs, Immunosuppressants, anti-rheumatic drugs, TNF-alpha inhibitors, among others. On the side, you will need to meet up with a therapist to help you function in your day-to-day work without being bothered by inflamed joints. An occupational therapist can help you on this one.
• If you think that the medicines are not doing you any good, what you can do now is to save money for some surgery. There are different surgical procedures that can free you from your pain: tendon repair, total replacement of joints, joint fusion, and Synovectomy (this procedure requires the removal of the inflamed joint lining).
• To maintain yourself, you will need to exercise all the time, take some day off to relax, and fix your diet. Avoid using cold compress on the inflamed areas, instead use a warm compress to soothe the joints. The symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis is pretty evident, and once you get diagnosed, you have the solutions to fight the pain.