Q: Can rheumatoid arthritis go into additional joints after the original diagnosis?
Ruth,
Absolutely! There is no reason that RA cannot progress to new joints. I started with hands and feet and now have issues with my elbows, shoulders and knees. Are you taking DMARDS or a Biologic? Let your Dr know if you are having pain in joints that never hurt before.
Feel better,
Brad
Yes. I'm living proof.
I and also living proof...started in ankles, then fingers, wrists, elbows, and knees. RA keeps you on your toes (unless you have RA in your toes!) and is constantly changing!
Unfortunately, yes it can go into other joints. I've had RA for 16 years and it's only within the last few that I've been able to prevent the disease from finding new places to invade. It started in my knees and now is also in my feet, elbows, wrists, hands, jaw, back and neck. The key is to keep RA under control as much as possible, but that's an ongoing struggle. I believe that since I've been taking Minocycline (about 3 years), I've diminished the damaging effects and reduced the chance of more joints being attacked. Good luck to you!
~ Christine
Unfortunatly yes it can. When I was first diagnosed over 30 years ago it was only in my knees. Over the years I have had pain throughout my body 
Yes, I was diagnosed almost 2 yrs ago at the age of 38 and it was primarily my hands that were my hands and knees that were to problem. The rheumatologist added that my toes were also affected. Now it also affects my knees, shoulders, and elbows. Still adjusting meds....some days are great others not so much:(
Yes it can. I have had RA for 21 yrs. now. It started in my right hip, now I have it in all my joints, plus my chest area. Talk to your doctor and let him know you are having problems with your other joints.
What kind of symptoms do you get from having it in your chest area? My doctors seem to think if there is no swelling then the pain is Fibromyalgia pain. How would RA affect the jaw area. I have had this disease for 2 and a half years and now I am so confused. I started Enbrel 3 months ago and I take Methotrexate. I am much stronger but the pain in my shoulders is bad. I also have flares of screaming pain in my face, shoulders, back, chest area and in extreme cases down my thighs. This pain feels like I am standing in a blazing fire. I get very weak and can't get out of bed for a few days. It takes about 2 weeks for these
flares to get better. Does this sound like Fibromyalgia? pp
The pains in my chest are a little bit like having heart burn. The only way an RA Doctor can tell if you have it in your chest is by doing the right test. My RA doctor has taken exray of my chest. My limphnoids are enlarged at the time of a flare up. Also when my blood work is done and he has reviewed them, that also lets him know that I am in a flare up.Ra affects the jaw bone like any other joint in your body. I once in a while have the pain in my jaw that is severe. It does go away when I continue to use it, it only hurts when I eat. You can have pain, without a flare up or swelling. I am experiencing the pain of standing up like you are. Mine is due to the fact that I have not been on my meds. for over a year due to surgeries. If you are still experiencing flare ups being on Methotrexate and Embrel, then it is obvious that medication combination is not working. You can have both RA and Fibromyalgia. I have RA and Osteo. I have been in your situation with flare ups and the pain. I would ask for prednisone, that was just a quick fix. I do not like Methotrexate, it made me sick and did not help. I also had infusion of Remecade, that helped more than Methotrexate and Humira. I talked to my RA Doctor. I am now on Arava and Humira, which does work for me. A friend of mine is now taking Arava and Orencia infusions. She has more relief than she did when she was on Methotrexate and Remicade. I would continue to press the issue with your RA Doctor and see what can be done, because you are the patient and you know what is going on in your body better than your doctor does.
I'm not sure why you think just because someone diagnosed your RA, why would you think it would'nt spread? All I know is that my RA, OA & fibromyalgia has been spreading for years, I hopefully pray that with all the shots & pills it will stop getting me down! With help from chats and blogs, other people with the same problems, are helping me cope! I'll include you in my prayer too.
It all started with on little toe. Its been five years all of my toes, fingers ,both wrists, knees, one hip, both elbows, ankles. You remember the song "head shoulders, knees and toes" Thats RA!
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Brad, Thanks for your response. RA is in my hands, feet and knees. Now I think it's spread to my elbows. I was on Humira and methotrexate for 3 years and they seemed to be effective, but my rheumy suggested Rituxan. I had two infusions in June, but I don't seem to be as good as I was on Humira. I'll find out at my appt on Monday. Thanks again for your response.