Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Minrenae 10/08/2015

Since my diagnosis (Jan. 2015), my symptoms have never been symmetric but my Rheumatolotist is still sure its RA. I did test positive with the RF.

My pain seems to me localized to my left foot and my right wrist. Its seems to be only in the morning but my foot pain has since started to get a little worse. I can't walk without a limp in the mornings.

When I exercise at night it can get uncomfortable too. Its been very frustrating actually.

gryd1963 10/08/2015

It usually presents as symmetric pain but can favor one side. There are times when I don't even notice the pain on my left side. I've also read where it is not always symmetric.

In your case where you are dealing with pain in a couple of joints then it wouldn't surprise me that your symptoms are asymmetric. In cases like mine where I have 20 or more swollen joints I do tend to notice a pattern of symmetrical pain and inflammation,

lace2684 10/08/2015

Hey!

Mine is super assymetric. Sometimes it'll be symmetrical and worse on one side. Almost every one of my joints is effected, but, for example, right wrist is bad, left elbow, and not the opposite side. Right knee is worst, but left knee hurts too and fluctuates.

etc etc.!

MarleneJ 10/08/2015

I have always been asymmetrical! It was one of the reasons I was not properly diagnosed initially, besides the zero sed rate.

The only time I get symmetrical, is when ALL my joints are flared. Which sadly, has been most of the time lately.

I don't know why they even list that as a possible symptom. Most people I know with RA vary a lot.

Just trust your rheumatologist. It is not getting a diagnosis that is the problem, because that means no treatment! And yes, exercise is difficult until you get on meds that help.

Angelpuss 10/09/2015

Sometimes symmetrical but not usually so and it's been like this since diagnosed almost 6 years ago.

bigiblue 10/09/2015

My pain and swelling has always been on my right side of the body I just now started feeling pain in my left foot but for the past 8 years of being diagnosed I've always had just my right side pain.
Bigi

nonightshades 10/09/2015

If yours isn't attacking both sides (yet) then consider yourself fortunate.

lindamassey 10/09/2015

During flares, my joint pain is symmetric. On a daily basis, I have more trouble in certain joints, not always symmetric.

Everyone is different with RA.

Linda

melly65 10/09/2015

Yep, both hands, both feet. The newest addition is my right elbow gets sore. So we'll see.

etain11 10/09/2015

I was just going to ask this same question because mine is often asymmetrical, or one joint is a lot worse than its counterpart. Today, my left hip hates me. Other joints hurt, but not like this one. I feel like RA pains plays "musical joints."

sammyo1 10/10/2015

Not at first. One hand & then a foot. Now both hands & feet.
Not always with other joints though. I feel the exact same
"Musical Joints". Never know what to expect.
There's no discrimination here they all take turns day to day.
Although the hands & feet are the leaders in scoring the most points for aggravation & pain on a regular basis.
Sammy

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