Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Joints Most Often Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis By Carol Eustice Carol Eustice Facebook Carol Eustice is a writer covering arthritis and chronic illness, who herself has been diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 17, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Riteesha G. Reddy, MD Medically reviewed by Riteesha G. Reddy, MD Riteesha G. Reddy, MD, is a board-certified rheumatologist and internist at a private practice in Dallas, Texas. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Common Less Common Rarely Affected Universal Symptoms Seeing Your Doctor Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can impact just about any joint, but certain joints are more likely to be involved than others. They include those of the hands and feet, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, and ankles. Knowing more about the joints affected by RA can help you recognize early signs and symptoms, and prompt you to get an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for safeguarding your health and functionality. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Getty Images Commonly Affected Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis Both small and large joints are frequently targeted by RA. The most commonly affected small joints include the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. Specifically, these joints are called: Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints between the hand and fingers Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, the middle joints of the fingers Radiocarpal joint of the wrist Tibiofemoral joint of the knee Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints between the foot and the toes Healthcare providers use your specific symptoms and pain pattern to differentiate RA from similar diseases such as osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and pseudogout. Guide to Finger Arthritis Less Commonly Affected Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis Joints that are less often targeted by RA include: Temporomandibular joint of the jaw Cervical spine vertebral joints in the neck Glenohumeral joint, ball-and-socket of the shoulder Acromioclavicular joint, where the collar bone and tip of the shoulder blade meet Sternoclavicular joint, which connects the breastbone to the collarbone Elbow joint Acetabulofemoral joint of the hip Talocrural joint of the ankle Tarsal joint between the heel and the midfoot Rarely Affected Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis No joint is 100% immune from RA, but some of them are rarely involved in this disease. These include: Joints of the lumbar spine, where the lower back curves inward Joints of the thoracic spine, the upper and mid-back between the neck and the lumbar region Sacroiliac joints at the base of the spine Costochondral joints in the rib area First carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints at the tips of the fingers Pain and swelling of the DIP joints is usually associated with osteoarthritis (OA) and not typically caused by RA. OA vs. RA: How They Compare Universal Symptoms Regardless of what joints are affected by RA, you may experience: Joint tenderness and swelling: These are typically among the first signs of the disease. Pain, redness, and warmth at the site of affected joints Symmetrical pattern of symptoms (they effect the same joint on both sides of the body) You may also experience additional symptoms that are specific to the joints affected. Seeing Your Healthcare Provider About Joint Pain When you consult your healthcare provider about pain or other issues with your joints, you may only bring what is most bothersome or causing the most interference with usual activities. Don't hesitate to mention other joints, even if symptoms seem mild or unrelated. Regardless, the practitioner will likely perform a thorough joint examination of multiple joints to check for signs of RA and similar diseases. During this exam, your healthcare provider will: Visually inspect your joints for swelling, redness, and deformity Palpate (examine by touch) for pain, warmth, and tenderness Passively move your joints to determine whether your range of motion is normal or abnormal and to determine if movement exacerbates pain Examine your joints for crepitus and joint instability While it is important for your healthcare provider to accurately note the presence or absence of specific findings during the joint examination, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are more sensitive for detecting synovitis and detailed abnormalities. Physical signs of RA, which would be evident during a joint examination, can be scarce in the early stages of RA. That's why a joint examination is only one part of the process. Your medical history, blood test results, and imaging studies also are necessary aspects when framing an accurate diagnosis. To prepare for your appointment, download our printable Doctor Discussion Guide below. It'll help you learn relevant terminology and questions to bring up the next time you speak with your healthcare provider. Rheumatoid Arthritis Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up This Doctor Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}. There was an error. Please try again. A Word From Verywell Most joint pain is from causes other than RA. If it turns out you do have RA, it's important to know that treatments have come a long way and may keep you active for a long time. The sooner you get a diagnosis and start the right treatment, the better the prognosis will be. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with chronic inflammation? An anti-inflammatory diet can help. Our free recipe guide shows you the best foods to fight inflammation. Get yours today! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Edited by Raashid Luqmani, Theodore Pincus, Maarten Boers. Chapter 3. Diagnosis and clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis. Oxford Rheumatology Library. Oxford University Press. 2010. Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms. Additional Reading Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. History and Physical Examination of the Musculoskeletal System. Davis, Moder, Hunder. Part 5. Chapter 40. Published by Elsevier Saunders. Ninth edition. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Diagnosis and Treatment. Joint Involvement. Page 32. John J. Cush, M.D., Michael E. Weinblatt, M.D., Arthur Kavanaugh, M.D. Third edition. Published by Professional Communications, Inc.