What does Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain feel like?

I don't get asked this very often, and I think that's a sign of how little awareness there is of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  People don't ask me, because they think they already know.  What they think they know is that rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of mild aches and pains in your hands and feet.

Admittedly, this is true for some people.  Its possible to meet the diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis with mild disease, if you are RF positive.

But for every person who experiences just mild aches and pains, there is another who is completely crippled by pain and fatigue.  Severe pain.

What does rheumatoid arthritis pain feel like?  That link describes it pretty well. So take the time to read it.

But it depends.  Some people experience burning, hot pain.  Their joints are swollen and tender, and visibly red.  For others there is no outward sign at all.

I've heard the pain described as a deep aching, stabbing, shooting, or painful pins and needles.  I've also heard it said that walking on arthritic feet is like walking on marbles.  Or over hot coals.  Other people say it feels like you've already walked 20 miles.

Each person is different, and the pain varies from day to day, and from joint to joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect any synovial joint in the body.  Some rheumatologists will say things like 'rheumatoid arthritis cannot affect the lower spine' but people who suffer the disease beg to differ! 

Depending on the joint, and the severity, the pain can vary wildly.  The pain in my hands often feels like I have shackles on...my arms are heavy, my fingers won't move, and my wrists burn.  Resting doesn't help, using them doesn't help.  Nothing really helps.

Medications may take the edge off, but many people who suffer RA are never pain free.  Just the severity varies.