Rheumatoid arthritis and negative emotions

Rheumatoid arthritis and negative emotions

Rheumatoid arthritis and negative emotions

Last update: 07 September, 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects all joints in the body. Cause some very annoying symptoms such as persistent pain, inflammation, loss of mobility and stiffness in the affected areas. Its causes are unknown at the moment, but some research speaks of a relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and emotions negative.

The importance of the psychological sphere towards this disease began to be raised in the early twentieth century. However, this area was not seriously investigated until 1950. The year in which therheumatoid arthritis was classified as one of the most serious psychosomatic disorders. From that moment, the searches became more and more numerous.



In this article we will examine the data obtained to date on the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and negative emotions. We will also talk about some of the most important characteristics of this disease, as well as some tips to be able to live with it in the best possible way.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the main ones joints of the body. However, those of the wrists and fingers are the most affected; but we must remember that can occur in any part of the body where one or more bones join.

So, for example, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can be found in the following areas:

  • Elbows.
  • Knees.
  • Shoulders.
  • Neck.
  • Jaw.
  • Ankles.
  • Feet.
  • Also.

Depending on the person, symptoms may vary enormously. The most common are swelling, lack of mobility, burning, hypersensitivity and pain.


Let's see them one by one.

1- Swelling

Often the first symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is swelling of the compromised joints, which during an acute episode of the disease they can be much larger than normal. When the disorder is not severe, the swelling can occur on its own, otherwise it is accompanied by pain.


2- Lack of mobility

Generally, joint swelling complicates movement. When this symptom becomes particularly severe, the person faces serious difficulties when he has to perform certain daily actions.

3- Burning

Rheumatoid arthritis often causes an uncomfortable burning sensation. It is nothing more than a slight discomfort, but added to the rest of the symptoms, it can become a real one obstacle.

4- Hypersensitivity

People with rheumatoid arthritis also experience it an increase in sensitivity in compromised joints. Therefore, all the sensations will be amplified; this also affects the increase in pain, the symptom we see in the following point.

5- Acute pain

The worst symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is a sharp pain whenever you make certain movements, or if you suffer even a slight blow to the joints. This can go so far as to incapacitate them, to the point of preventing them from leading a normal life.


Relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and negative emotions

But what is the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and negative emotions? The latest research has shown that some emotional states can cause an increase in the most problematic symptoms; furthermore, the chances of suffering from this problem increase.

Of all the emotions we can feel, the ones that show the greatest relationship with this pathology are depression, anxiety and anger. In reverse, determined and resistant personalities usually experience less pronounced symptoms.

The truth is that there is no single recognized cause of this disease. However, the relationship between negative emotions and rheumatoid arthritis is particularly well documented. For this reason, many doctors consider that the best treatment is in the sentimental sphere.


Improving emotional understanding and expression can be very effective in reducing various symptoms. Many patients succeed in this way to improve enormously the quality of their life.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis or know someone who has rheumatoid arthritis, go to a professional mental health. These can help you fight the most acute symptoms of the disease.

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