Rheumatoid arthritis typically begins in which joints?

Rheumatoid arthritis typically begins in which joints?

• A. Large joints and weight-bearing joints
• B. Joints of the spine only
• C. Smaller joints such as those in the hands
• D. Joints of the feet exclusively

Answer: (C)

Rheumatoid arthritis starts with autoimmune inflammation of the synovial lining in small joints, most often in the hands and feet. This early pattern involves joints like the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints and is usually symmetric, with symptoms such as lasting morning stiffness and swelling in those small joints. Larger weight-bearing joints or the spine aren’t typically the first areas affected, and exclusive involvement of the feet or spine alone doesn’t fit the common RA onset. Over time, other joints may be involved, but the hallmark initial presentation is small joints of the hands (and feet).

Rheumatoid arthritis starts with autoimmune inflammation of the synovial lining in small joints, most often in the hands and feet. This early pattern involves joints like the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints and is usually symmetric, with symptoms such as lasting morning stiffness and swelling in those small joints. Larger weight-bearing joints or the spine aren’t typically the first areas affected, and exclusive involvement of the feet or spine alone doesn’t fit the common RA onset. Over time, other joints may be involved, but the hallmark initial presentation is small joints of the hands (and feet).