Is rheumatoid arthritis very painful in the early stages?

In general, the severity of pain in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person. Some individuals may experience mild, dull pain, while others may have noticeable swelling or sharp pain. If there are concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. A detailed analysis is as follows:

When the disease is mild in its early stage, inflammatory reactions are confined to the joint synovium. Some people may only feel slight dull pain or aching discomfort in the joints, which might improve with activity and can easily be mistaken for ordinary joint discomfort, thus failing to receive timely attention.

As inflammation gradually worsens, obvious congestion and edema occur in the joint synovium, potentially leading to symmetrical joint swelling and pain, or stabbing pain. Stiffness accompanied by pain often occurs upon waking or after prolonged sitting; although stiffness may ease with movement, pain may persist. The pain commonly affects small joints such as fingers and wrists, and in some cases, the pain can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.

When symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness appear, prompt medical evaluation is essential to establish an accurate diagnosis. Early intervention under medical guidance helps control the progression of inflammation. Avoid excessive joint loading, maintain warmth, and prevent dampness. Combining regular作息 (daily routines) with moderate exercise helps preserve joint function and slow disease progression.