Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system starts self-destructing, causing the body to deteriorate, specifically the joints. The early signs of rheumatoid arthritis can be noticed in the hand and fingers. Some of the common signs include:

Pain
The major symptom that is noticed in the early stages is pain. This happens usually when the two adjoined bones in the joints grind against each other without the cartilage to act as a barrier. In the initial stages, the pain can feel like a slight burning sensation. In the advanced stages, however, the pain gets stronger. Loss of movement triggers the pain in case it affects different joints of the body.

Swelling in the joints
One of the main signs of rheumatoid arthritis is swelling in the joints, especially in the hands and fingers. A ligament or cartilage present in the joints between the limbs cushion the bones. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, this cartilage gets damaged, causing the joints to swell up.

Joint stiffness
Joint stiffness in the hands is common in the morning for those with rheumatoid arthritis. It occurs mainly due to inflammation in the joints, causing restrictive movement.

Joint deformity
When this disease takes place in the wrist or fingers, it causes a deformed structure in between the joints. This can be considered one of the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Due to the antibodies attacking the cartilage that joins the two bones, the matter starts getting eroded. However, the remaining cartilage forms an uneven structure which gives the hand a deformed appearance.

Pain in both the hands
In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the pain in one hand can echo on the other hand as well.

Mucous cysts
After the ligaments get damaged, a sac replaces the space between the two adjoining bones in the wrist or fingers. These are filled with fluid and appear as small cysts on the fingers or under the nails.

Warmth in the joints
This is yet another early sign of rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes, along with a warm feeling, there could be some redness.

Osteophytosis
Osteophytosis, also known as bone spurs, are bony bumps that form between two adjoining bones. Due to some damage between the joints of the wrist, the body reacts by trying to grow a bone in the gap, causing difficulty in movement. Some cases of RA make the hand look gnarly as well.

Carpal tunnel syndrome
Among the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis, a noticeable one is the carpal tunnel syndrome. When the joints in the hand strain on the median nerve, some symptoms can be noticed. Notably, a feeling of numbness or tingling can be felt in the fingers too.

There are different ways to diagnose if a person is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis to take the necessary measures to get treated. This is why it is important to notice and understand the different signs at the earliest.