What is a prominent early symptom of progressive systemic sclerosis?

Progressive systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the deposition of collagen in the skin and internal organs. One of the prominent early symptoms experienced by individuals with this condition is polyarthralgia, which refers to pain in multiple joints.

In the early stages of scleroderma, patients may experience joint pain or discomfort without significant swelling or noticeable changes in joint appearance. This can manifest as a stiffness or aching sensation in various joints, which can lead to increased levels of discomfort during movement. Polyarthralgia is significant because it can serve as an important early indicator of the disease, prompting further investigation into the patient's symptoms and helping to guide a timely diagnosis.

While fatigue is indeed a common issue in many patients with scleroderma, it is more of a generalized symptom rather than a specific early indicator. Muscle weakness and joint swelling may also occur in the later stages or in relation to specific manifestations of the disease, but polyarthralgia stands out as a key early symptom that can help in identifying progressive systemic sclerosis early on.