Radiographic damage in early rheumatoid arthritis is associated with increased disability but not with pain-a 5-year follow-up study.

Joint damage was associated with disability already in early RA. Erosions of hands and feet appear to have a greater influence on disability compared with joint space narrowing early in the disease. Pain was associated with other factors than joint destruction in early RA, in particular joint tenderness-suggesting an impact of pain sensitization.