hi, can i ask in here if it is common to have additional joint pains despite intaking oral meds?
been in medication for a week (recently diagnosed), and since then i had pains on my foot and jaw (jaw pain contributes to headache sometimes when i move my jaw) but now, my other foot is also ouchy and my left knee is hard to move and it looks like it will start to swell...
As many people explained in your previous posts, unfortunately medications for rheumatoid arthritis can take a long time to work. Methotrexate for example can take up to 12 weeks to fully work. I know it is very frustrating but finding the right medication is a marathon and not a sprint.
so to clarify, it is not uncommon for the pains to spread? i started with 2 painful joints but now they are 4...
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systemic disease. It is caused by your immune system becoming over active and mistaking your joint linings as something which needs to be attacked so yes it can affect any joint at any time. The DMARDs (Disease moderating anti rheumatic drugs) used to treat it aim to dampen down your immune system back to a normal level.
Can I suggest you look at these publications from NRAS
nras.org.uk/product/medicin...
thank you so much! i'll look right into them
I was diagnosed 21 years ago, and it took quite a long time to get the right cocktail of meds. Even now I get pain in different joints, for example my shoulders and neck are really painful. Also most meds take 3+ months to work.
yeah most of you here are telling me that and i kinda get it. i mean, yes right now my meds are not stopping the pain but how could i have more joint pains? i'm so frustrated!
Because they are slow working and maybe you’re a bit more anxious and looking for symptoms. That’s not to say that’s not normal but stress can really have an impact on our mood and that in turn could make things seem worse. All RA medications are slow to work and I’m afraid it’s really a case of being patient and wait and see. It is definitely true that things can get worse before they get better as anyone whose used AZA and LEF can tell you.
okayyy thank you i feel validated. i can't wait for them to kick in but in the mean time, i'll try to be more stress-free
Stress causes me more pain and must be avoided, try and relax your mind
Your medications will take a lot longer to kick in and yes. Pains pop up in other joints sometimes. You might want to phone the NRAS helpline for reassurance and information on your medications.
yes i am journalizing right now so i can have something to tell to my rheuma next week 
I am very sorry to point out the reality, but RA drugs do not leap into action in weeks ….you will possibly need months to feel the way you think you should be feeling now.
But do be very grateful you are starting your R A journey in 2025…not many years earlier.It took me 16 years to graduate to drugs that are now possible in say 5 years.
So keep taking your prescribed meds…don’t back off too soon and listen to your rheumy & you will get there!
yes yes, i am taking my meds regularly!
the first year is a roller coaster very often, as you are trying to come to terms with this mentally and physically. Try not to analyse every twinge, but rather think your whole body is under attack but you are tackling this on a body wide level. And it will work!
yes, thank you for your kind words!
RA travels, when I first went down with it it hit in my right shoulder, two days later the left shoulder, then my left wrist, then my right hip, then the base of my skull and my jaw. I’m more or less under control now four years in, it still goes for my feet and wrists if I overdo things, but, in my case, it used to move on after two days then pop up somewhere else
i get so anxious waking up in morning to look for more joint pains 
Yes RA is systemic so pain occurs in various places. You're in very early stages with your RA and meds as others have said not instant reduction in your RA symptoms, rather best meds need to be found to work for you. When I was first diagnosed and started on my meds was told need 3 months for meds to work, the first year is a roller coaster as your body and best regime is found for you.
Meantime no harm contacting your RA team abut pain relief. Try to speak with the specialist nurse. Doctors diagnose and prescribe, specialist nurse carry out you care plan, so keep them informed about how you are so they can sort what's best for you.
I notice you're 22 years old so can understand how difficult it must be for you to feel poorly and restricted physically. Try to be patient with yourself over this condition, learn about it from sites like this , Versus Arthritis and NHS site, Avoid Dr Google and well meaning fad info.
This site has helped me lots with useful insights, so let us know how you're doing?
yes, it's only been a week and i still feel painful in my joints and bad for myself... 😓
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