{"id":567,"date":"2024-05-14T11:50:02","date_gmt":"2024-05-14T11:50:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cacwellness.com\/blog\/?p=567"},"modified":"2024-08-26T06:51:06","modified_gmt":"2024-08-26T06:51:06","slug":"5-unusual-symptoms-linked-to-rheumatoid-arthritis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cacwellness.com\/blog\/2024\/05\/14\/5-unusual-symptoms-linked-to-rheumatoid-arthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"5 unusual symptoms linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ever wondered what surprises Rheumatoid Arthritis<\/a> (RA) might have in store beyond the usual joint pain and stiffness?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RA is like an iceberg \u2013 there\u2019s a lot more going on beneath the surface than you might expect.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who knew that RA could play a role in everything from the noises you hear to rashes that appear on your skin?<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are 5 unusual symptoms linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Hearing problems<\/span><\/h3>\n

Did you know there’s a surprising link between Rheumatoid Arthritis and hearing problems? Including that annoying ringing known as tinnitus?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Turns out, if you’ve been living with RA for a while, you might be more likely to experience these issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, how does RA affect your hearing? It can stir up inflammation that damages the tiny joints in your ears, and even cause rheumatoid nodules to form inside the ear.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And here\u2019s another twist: the very meds you take to soothe RA pain, like aspirin and other NSAIDs, might actually trigger tinnitus or hearing loss. Can you believe it?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, not all hearing troubles are a life sentence \u2013 sometimes just dropping NSAIDs can turn things around. But what if the damage sticks? Well, there are still certain steps you can take to prevent or slow down further hearing damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Snoring<\/span><\/h3>\n

People with rheumatoid arthritis often find themselves dealing with more than just joint aches and pains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Research suggests they\u2019re more likely to experience sleep apnea as well \u2013 a pesky condition where you literally stop breathing at brief intervals while you\u2019re sleeping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sleep apnea can lead to headaches and make you feel tired all the time because your body isn\u2019t getting enough oxygen when you sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you find yourself snoring loudly one minute and gasping for air the next, it\u2019s time to get your symptoms checked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Gum disease<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re at risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis, you might also have to watch out for gum problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis (and even more serious, periodontitis) are associated with RA.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And these gum issues can actually make your RA symptoms worse by causing more tenderness & swelling in your joints.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking care of your teeth might help you feel better overall. Regular trips to the dentist and keeping up with your brushing and flossing at home can help ease those RA symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Skin rash<\/span><\/h3>\n

When RA affects your blood vessels, it can lead to all sorts of skin issues like rashes that might show up as dark red or purple bumps, hives, or even pink patches. On people with darker skin, these color changes might be harder to spot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These rashes usually appear on the lower legs and can be itchy, painful, or give a burning sensation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’ve got a rash that’s hanging around for more than two weeks, hurts, or looks like it might be infected, it’s a good idea to call your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Numbness or tingling<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ever experienced that odd numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or elsewhere?<\/span><\/p>\n

Rheumatoid Arthritis might affect your nerves in a few ways.<\/span><\/p>\n