Arthritis Symptoms

The exact symptoms of arthritis exhibited by sufferers depend on the type, but normally start with a dull aching in one or more joints. This can progress to an intense pain, which is agitated by attempts to move the appendage controlled by the affected joint. Arthritic pain is almost always accompanied by some stiffness in the joint, which may cause some loss of mobility or flexibility.

In more severe cases, the inflammation in the joint may result in redness or even swelling visible through the skin. The skin around the affected area may also be warm to touch or look deformed, so look for these as possible symptoms that you may have arthritis.
Although there are other possible conditions with similar symptoms such as Raynoud’s Syndrome, which is characterized by swollen joints particularly in the fingers. It is therefore important that your doctor is able to make a complete and thorough diagnosis.

Many arthritis patients find themselves feeling excessively tired for no reason. Fatigue and malaise are actually two of the most common symptoms of arthritis though are often overlooked. Additionally, unexplained fever or weight loss is sometimes seen in arthritis sufferers.

Finally arthritic joints may exhibit ‘crepitus’ which is a sort of cracking sound caused by air which is trapped in the joint. Crepitus is not always associated with pain in a joint, so as a symptom can be useful in detecting arthritis before joint pain manifests. Speak to your doctor if you have reason to suspect that this may be affecting you.

Cracking the joints does not cause arthritis, as many people mistakenly believe. It is simple air, not grinding bone!

If you have arthritis symptoms please see a doctor as arthritis is a progressive illness which benefits greatly from early diagnosis.