Which symptom is commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis?

The presence of rheumatoid factors is commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis because these are antibodies that can be found in the blood of many individuals with this condition. The presence of these factors often helps in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, alongside clinical symptoms and physical examination findings. Typically, rheumatoid factors are not present in healthy individuals, and their presence can indicate an autoimmune process, which is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis.

In terms of the other symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, joint stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes is generally not a hallmark of this disease; instead, patients typically experience morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes. Progressive joint degeneration can occur as the disease advances, but it is not an immediate symptom that defines the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Rapid joint swelling is also not the primary symptom; while patients may experience swelling, it is usually associated with inflammation and may not occur in a rapid manner compared to other inflammatory conditions. Thus, the presence of rheumatoid factors is a key distinguishing aspect of rheumatoid arthritis in diagnostic criteria.