What is a common physical symptom of rheumatoid arthritis aside from joint pain?

Muscle atrophy is a common physical symptom associated with rheumatoid arthritis, primarily due to chronic inflammation and disuse of muscles surrounding affected joints. As the condition progresses, joint pain and stiffness can lead to reduced physical activity. This decreased mobility can cause surrounding muscles to weaken and decrease in size over time.

When a person with rheumatoid arthritis experiences ongoing joint pain and stiffness, they might avoid using the affected joints, resulting in muscle disuse. Over time, the lack of movement can lead to muscle wasting or atrophy, which is a significant physical consequence of the disease.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent typical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. Rapid bone growth is not a characteristic of the disease, as rheumatoid arthritis primarily leads to bone erosion and joint deformity rather than growth. Similarly, increased height is not relevant since the condition typically affects adults and does not result in height changes. Decreased joint range is a consequence that results from inflammation but is not a physical symptom such as muscle atrophy, which directly highlights the impact of chronic inflammation on muscle condition.