Muscle weakness
As a consequence of joint pain, patients with rheumatoid arthritis will also describe a reduction of the joint function and perceived muscle weakness. This symptom affects the quality of life of patients, especially those in more advanced stages of the disease, and compromises their ability to work. There is a significant reduction in muscle mass, but this reduction does not correlate to the symptoms of muscle weakness, which are usually more pronounced still. Thus, the reason is not only muscle atrophy but also intrinsic cell dysfunction that plays an important role in reducing the functional capacity of the skeletal muscle.