The infamous symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is morning stiffness that lasts for at least an hour. Pain, redness and swelling may also occur in the joints. The joint symptoms are usually (but not always) symmetric, if the left knee is affected, so is the right, etc. Other symptoms can include weight loss, fatigue, and fever; a general flu like feeling. In about 20% of people with RA, inflammation of small blood vessels can cause nodules, or lumps, under the skin. They are about the size of a pea or slightly larger, and are often located near the elbow, although they can show up anywhere.

Arthritis of the knee can be a very difficult condition to deal with. The aches and pains can many times interfere with your daily activities. Learning more about your arthritis pain can help you in this every day battle. In this section you’ll learn more about the anatomy of the knee, the causes and symptoms of arthritis, and how the disease is diagnosed and treated by your doctor.