What symptom is least likely to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis?

What symptom is least likely to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Morning stiffness
• B. Symmetrical joint swelling
• C. Joint pain that improves with rest
• D. Fatigue and malaise

Answer: (C)

Joint pain that improves with rest is least likely to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis due to the characteristic nature of the disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, patients typically experience joint pain that tends to worsen with inactivity or during periods of rest. This is often due to the inflammatory processes that are exacerbated with prolonged immobility, leading to stiffness and increased discomfort when the person starts moving again after rest. In contrast, the other symptoms mentioned are commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Morning stiffness is a hallmark sign, often lasting for more than an hour, as the joints may feel tight and painful after being immobile overnight. Symmetrical joint swelling is another key symptom, as this condition usually affects joints on both sides of the body simultaneously. Fatigue and malaise are also frequent complaints among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, stemming from the overall impact of chronic inflammation and disease activity. Understanding these distinctions is critical for recognizing the nature of rheumatoid arthritis, which primarily involves persistent inflammation leading to symptoms that typically do not improve with rest.

Joint pain that improves with rest is least likely to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis due to the characteristic nature of the disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, patients typically experience joint pain that tends to worsen with inactivity or during periods of rest. This is often due to the inflammatory processes that are exacerbated with prolonged immobility, leading to stiffness and increased discomfort when the person starts moving again after rest.

In contrast, the other symptoms mentioned are commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Morning stiffness is a hallmark sign, often lasting for more than an hour, as the joints may feel tight and painful after being immobile overnight. Symmetrical joint swelling is another key symptom, as this condition usually affects joints on both sides of the body simultaneously. Fatigue and malaise are also frequent complaints among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, stemming from the overall impact of chronic inflammation and disease activity.

Understanding these distinctions is critical for recognizing the nature of rheumatoid arthritis, which primarily involves persistent inflammation leading to symptoms that typically do not improve with rest.