Arthritis is a prevalent joint condition that causes tenderness and swelling in one or more joints. While it can occur in anybody, at any age, certain people are more susceptible to arthritis greenbelt than others. For instance, individuals with a health history of arthritis, obesity, or joint injury could be at greater risk of developing this condition. Besides, most arthritis cases often go undiagnosed because they have no obvious early symptoms. As such, it is important to understand the warning signs of arthritis to seek care while the disease is still in its early stages. Read on to learn more.
1. Chronic Joint Pain
Arthritis is primarily characterized by persistent or recurrent joint discomfort. Joint pain associated with arthritis differs in degree, but millions in the United States report experiencing severe discomfort. The pain intensifies with time, particularly in the absence of therapy.
If you suffer from the “wear-and-tear” kind of osteoarthritis caused by years of repetitive use, joint pain in one or both knees or hips is very frequent. Your discomfort will be proportional if you experience rheumatoid arthritis resulting from immune system responses. In simpler terms, if you feel any pain in the right wrist, you will also feel it in the left wrist.
2. Joint Stiffness
Joint stiffness is also a frequent symptom of arthritis. Once it sets in, it can be hard to move the affected joint normally. You may observe that the stiffness is more pronounced in the morning and can last for at least an hour. Additionally, cold weather could aggravate these symptoms.
3. Swelling Around The Joints
Joint swelling results from an accumulation of fluid in the tissue surrounding the joints. This concern is particularly prevalent in osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis affects a significantly huge percentage of persons with psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease. On the other hand, gout develops once uric acid levels within the body are abnormally high.
4. Joint Redness
Redness of the joints is a common consequence of inflammation; thus, a color change is probable if you have swelling in your joints. As the inflammation grows, you might observe that the redness occurs or intensifies. Additionally, the region surrounding the affected joint or joints might feel warm when touched, which is typical of inflammation.
5. Reduced Mobility
Practically every other symptom of arthritis might restrict normal mobility. If you experience knee arthritis, for instance, you might discover that jumping or squatting becomes more difficult. Nonetheless, considering that flexing your joints could enhance circulation and minimize arthritic symptoms, this could seem conflicting.
6. Excess Fatigue
Once fatigue is accompanied by swollen and/or joints, it is typically an indication of rheumatoid arthritis. Pain can exhaust you, making it impossible to complete everyday tasks, let alone participate in sports, hobbies, or other enjoyable activities.
7. Low-Grade Fever
If you have a low-grade fever, you will also likely experience weariness. When a fever occurs for no obvious reason, it is essential to seek medical attention to determine the cause. If fever is accompanied by exhaustion and joint discomfort, rheumatoid arthritis is probably the diagnosis.
It is common to feel occasional joint pain, particularly if you are physically active and engage in high-impact activities like running. Damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the surroundings of the joint, as well as strains, sprains, and tendonitis, could be to blame for this unpleasant ache. However, if you often experience stiffness, aching, and soreness, especially if the symptoms are localized to the joint, you could have arthritis. Therefore, it is important to see a specialist if you identify any early arthritis warning signs.
