What is the earliest part of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis usually first appears in the small joints of the hands and feet. The

finger joints, especially the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints, are often the first to be affected by rheumatoid arthritis. This is because the hands are active and delicate, and symptoms tend to appear early. Inflammation can cause joint swelling, pain, and stiffness, affecting normal flexion and extension of the fingers.

Foot joints, such as metatarsophalangeal joints, may also develop early. Patients may experience foot pain, discomfort when walking, and significant redness at the joints.

One of the characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis is symmetrical onset, meaning that if symptoms appear in one facet joint of the hand or foot, the corresponding joint on the other side often has similar symptoms. This symmetry is helpful in early identification of the disease.

In these earliest affected areas, there is often a marked morning stiffness phenomenon, that is, joint stiffness and mobility after getting up in the morning, which can gradually be relieved after a period of activity. The duration and severity of morning stiffness often reflect the activity of the disease.