Arthritis symptoms should not be ignored.
By spotting the warning signs early, you’re free to get an accuratediagnosisand appropriatetreatmentbefore serious disability occurs.
The problem, of course, is thatthere is not just one form of arthritis.
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Here are 9 common signs of arthritis you may not know about.
Joint Pain
If you are experiencingjoint pain, details matter.
Arthritis is broadly characterized bymorning stiffnessand pain that gradually improves once you start moving.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, involves the wearing away of the cartilage in your joints.
With rheumatoid arthritis, the membrane that protects and lubricates joints becomes inflamed, causing tenderness.
Joint Stiffness
Joint stiffnesscan be one of the earliest signs of arthritis.
With osteoarthritis, morning stiffness may last up to 30 minutes.
Joint Redness
Joint redness usually indicates there is some sort ofinflammatoryprocess occurring.
Warm Joints
Warm or hot jointsare another sign of inflammation, infection, or injury.
Fever
The initial onset of arthritis can be associated with fever.
Fever is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis often overlooked by healthcare providers.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple organs and causes widespread inflammation, leading to persistent, low-grade fevers.
Malaise
Malaiseis described as a general ill feeling or lack of well-being.
Malaise can most certainly occur if living with unrelenting pain, inflammation, or loss of mobility.
Persistent Fatigue
Another sign related to arthritis is excessive fatigue.
Like malaise, excessive fatigue can result from the combined effects of inflammation and joint symptoms.
Skin Nodules
Certain types of arthritis are associated withnodules, or lumps that develop near a joint.
Scientists aren’t entirely clear why they occur but consider them a characteristic feature of rheumatoid arthritis.
Some may be as small a lentil or as large as a walnut.
Common sites include the fingers, knuckles, elbows, forearms, knees, and back of the heels.
And so it goes, each arthritis sign impacts another.
If you choose to ignore arthritis signs, you risk further joint damage and disability.
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