Is rheumatoid arthritis very painful in the early stages?

Rheumatoid arthritis is usually not very painful in its early stages. It often manifests as mild soreness, aching, stiffness, or discomfort in the joints. The pain tends to be mild and often improves with activity, making it easy to overlook. Pain may gradually worsen as the disease progresses. If any symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.

In the early stage, pain commonly affects small joints such as those in the fingers, wrists, and toes, and typically appears symmetrically—such as discomfort occurring simultaneously in both hands. A noticeable stiffness in the joints upon waking in the morning is common, which gradually eases after 1–2 hours of movement. This "morning stiffness" is one of the classic early signs of rheumatoid arthritis.

Although early-stage pain is not severe, inflammation within the joints continues to progress. Without timely intervention, this inflammation can damage joint cartilage and bone, leading to swelling and deformity. At this point, pain becomes significantly worse and may be accompanied by restricted joint movement, seriously affecting daily life. Therefore, early recognition of subtle symptoms is crucial.

In daily life, it's important to keep joints warm and avoid exposure to cold or damp conditions. Minimize repetitive movements that strain small joints, engage in gentle joint-stretching exercises appropriately, and maintain a regular sleep schedule to help reduce early joint discomfort and slow disease progression.