What symptom is often associated with rheumatoid arthritis?

Stiffness in the morning is a hallmark symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. This stiffness typically lasts for at least 30 minutes after waking up and can persist throughout the day, particularly after periods of inactivity. It is a result of inflammation in the joints, which is a characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. Patients commonly describe this symptom as a feeling of tightness or heaviness in the affected joints, and it often improves with movement and activity.

In contrast, while localized pain may occur due to various conditions, it doesn't specifically capture the systemic and prolonged nature of the stiffness seen in rheumatoid arthritis. High fever is generally not a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis; rather, it is more often related to infections or other inflammatory conditions. Chest pain is also not a typical symptom associated with this type of arthritis and could suggest a variety of other medical issues that are unrelated to the joint-specific manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis.