Archive · 22 Sep 2025
Unusual Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: Hearing Loss to Heart Issues
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease where your body attacks its own joints.
It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Besides affecting your joints, RA can also cause other, less common problems.
Some people with RA might develop lumps under their skin, called nodules.
Others may experience Raynaud's syndrome, where their fingers and toes turn white or blue in the cold.
RA can also cause skin rashes, fluid buildup in the lungs, and a higher risk of heart problems.
Dry eyes and even hearing loss are also possible.
It's important to see a doctor if you have RA and notice any of these unusual symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation.
More than 40% of RA patients experience unusual symptoms outside the joints.
Unusual symptoms can include skin nodules, Raynaud's syndrome, rashes, pleural effusion, and atherosclerosis.
Dry eyes and hearing loss are also potential RA-related complications.
RA can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Who
- Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- What
- Unusual symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, beyond joint inflammation.
- When
- The symptoms can develop over time
- Where
- The symptoms can manifest in various parts of the body, including skin, blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and ears.
- Why
- Due to the abnormal immune response and increased inflammation caused by RA.
- Primary Condition
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Affects
- Joints and other organs
- Possible Symptoms
- Skin nodules, Raynaud's syndrome, rashes, pleural effusion, atherosclerosis, dry eyes, hearing loss
- Prevalence of Unusual Symptoms
- Over 40% of RA patients experience one or more
- Raynaud's Syndrome Prevalence
- Affects about 10% of RA patients