4. Stiffness
Joint stiffness could be yet another early indicator of the development of rheumatism. Stiffness which occurs in a couple of small joints, sometimes the fingers, can come on slowly before lasting for a period of around five to ten days. Localized stiffness can be one indicator for sure, however, when this is combined with an overarching, more general feeling of stiffness, throughout the body, the symptom may be more easily determined to be an early indication of rheumatism.
Being still for long periods can cause this particular type of stiffness for most people, but it is how long it persists and how much it affects everyday functionality which should help a person decide whether or not it is merely stiffness, or stiffness associated with rheumatism. One frequent complaint from people living with rheumatism is the experience of morning stiffness, which obviously comes from having been still overnight. If a patient feels well enough to keep moving, they should try their best to stay on the go to keep stiffness at bay.