8 Warning Signs of Osteoarthritis

Swelling in the Knuckle Joints

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2. Swelling in the Knuckle Joints

Typically, RA causes the knuckles at the base of your fingers, and those in the middle of your fingers, to swell. While the swelling tends to happen in both hands, not every finger is necessarily affected, and it’s not always painful.

However, unlike other arthritic conditions, the swollen joints tend to be rosy and warm to the touch – a sign of the inflammation caused by RA – and they will be soft and tender rather than firm. Larger knuckles (knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows) can begin to swell, too; your doctor will consider an RA diagnosis if two or more joints are swollen and painful.

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