You are feeling pain in your joints and you have never felt this before. You are wondering if everything’s fine with you and what could be the reason for this sudden joint pain. Well, a possibility is that you might be suffering from arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints.
We will now be discussing the five common symptoms of arthritis. If you have any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. These are not to be taken lightly as arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage if left untreated.
Pain and Stiffness in the Joints
One of the most common symptoms of arthritis is pain and stiffness in the joints. The affected joints might feel warm to the touch and you might find it difficult to move them. This is caused by the inflammation of the joints. The very first symptom of arthritis is often pain and stiffness in the joints.
Swelling and Tenderness
Another common symptom of arthritis is swelling and tenderness around the affected joints. This is also caused by the inflammation of the joints. You might notice that your joints look swollen and feel tender to the touch. This can make moving the joints very painful.
Limited Range of Motion
When you have arthritis, you might find that your range of motion is limited. This means that you are not able to move your joints as freely as you could before. For example, if you have arthritis in your knees, you might not be able to fully extend your leg. This can make it difficult to do everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs.
Joint Deformity
In some cases, arthritis can lead to joint deformity. This happens when the joints become misshapen due to the damage caused by the condition. This can cause pain and difficulty moving the affected joints. In severe cases, the joint deformity can make it impossible to use the affected limbs.
Fatigue
One of the less common symptoms of arthritis is fatigue. This can be caused by the inflammation of the joints as well as the pain associated with the condition. If you are suffering from arthritis, you might find yourself feeling tired more easily than usual. You might also feel tired even after a good night’s sleep.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor. arthritis can be a serious condition and it is important to get proper treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent permanent joint damage.
What To Do If You Think You Might Have Arthritis
If you think you might have arthritis, the first thing you should do is consult a doctor. Only a doctor can give you a proper diagnosis. They will likely ask about your medical history and perform a physical examination. They might also order some tests to confirm the diagnosis.
There is no one test that can diagnose arthritis. The diagnosis is usually made based on a combination of the symptoms, physical examination, and test results.
Once you have been diagnosed with arthritis, there are many treatment options available. Treatment can help to relieve the pain and stiffness associated with the condition. It can also help to prevent further joint damage.
Common treatments for Arthritis.
- Pain relief medication
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Biologic agents
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
The exact treatment will depend on the type of arthritis you have as well as the severity of your symptoms.
If you have arthritis, it is important to take steps to protect your joints. This can help to prevent further joint damage and pain. Some things you can do to protect your joints include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Using assistive devices
- Avoiding activities that put too much stress on the joints
- Getting regular medical care
Arthritis can be a debilitating condition. But with proper treatment, you can live a normal and active life.
The Bottom Line
Arthritis can impact your life in many ways. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and get proper treatment. Getting yourself diagnosed by a certified doctor should always be your first step if you think you might have arthritis. After that, you and your doctor can work together to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
We hope the information given in this article was helpful to you. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below.