Symptoms Of Arthritis

Arthritis Pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. Here are some of the common symptoms of osteoarthritis:

Common Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis:

• Joint pain: One of the most common arthritis symptoms is pain in the affected joint, often occurring during or after movement. This discomfort can range from mild soreness to intense pain, making everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or gripping objects challenging. Chronic joint pain is a key indicator of arthritis and should not be ignored.
• Stiffness: Joint stiffness is another hallmark of arthritis, especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Many people find their joints difficult to move initially, and it may take several minutes of gentle activity to loosen them. Morning stiffness is particularly associated with inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Tenderness: Affected joints may feel tender to the touch. Even light pressure can trigger discomfort, making simple actions like pressing on the joint, carrying objects, or wearing tight-fitting clothing uncomfortable. Tenderness often accompanies swelling and inflammation, signaling active arthritis in the joint.
• Loss of flexibility: Arthritis can reduce the range of motion in affected joints, limiting your ability to bend, stretch, or fully extend them. This loss of flexibility can affect daily life, making tasks like reaching overhead, bending to tie shoes, or turning a doorknob more difficult over time.
• Grating sensation: Some people with arthritis notice a grating or grinding sensation when moving the joint, known as crepitus. This can sometimes be felt or even heard, resulting from cartilage wear or bone-on-bone contact within the joint. While not always painful, it is a clear sign of joint degeneration.
• Swelling: Inflamed joints often swell, appearing puffy, enlarged, or slightly red. Swelling can restrict movement and cause warmth around the joint, reflecting the body’s inflammatory response. Persistent swelling is a key symptom that signals the need for medical evaluation and management.
• Bone spurs: Over time, extra bits of bone called bone spurs may form around the affected joint. These bony growths can contribute to stiffness, reduced mobility, and discomfort. Bone spurs are commonly associated with osteoarthritis and can often be detected through imaging tests like X-rays.

Affected Areas:

• Knees: Pain and stiffness are common in the knees, which can make walking, climbing stairs, and other activities difficult.
• Hips: Osteoarthritis in the hips can cause pain in the groin, thigh, or buttocks.
• Hands: Pain, stiffness, and swelling can occur in the fingers and the base of the thumb.
• Spine: Pain and stiffness in the neck or lower back.

Osteoarthritis symptoms can vary in severity and may worsen over time. Managing symptoms often involves lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, using pain relief medications, and in some cases, surgical intervention.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, but it can also affect other parts of the body. The symptoms of RA can vary in severity and can come and go, with periods of increased disease activity known as flares and periods of remission when symptoms are minimal or absent.

Common Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

• Joint pain: Rheumatoid arthritis often begins in the smaller joints, such as those in the hands and feet. The pain is usually persistent and may worsen with movement, making everyday tasks like writing, buttoning clothes, or walking uncomfortable. Unlike ordinary aches, RA pain tends to be chronic and inflammatory.
• Joint swelling and stiffness: Swelling and stiffness are hallmark symptoms of RA, often most noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Joints may feel tight and difficult to move, sometimes lasting for an hour or more. This morning stiffness can significantly affect daily routines and mobility.
• Warmth and redness: Inflamed joints in RA may feel warm to the touch and appear red. This is caused by increased blood flow to the affected areas as part of the body’s inflammatory response. These signs are often accompanied by tenderness and discomfort, particularly when the joint is used.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and low energy are common in RA, even when sleep is adequate. Fatigue can be profound and affect concentration, work, and daily activities. It is often linked to the body’s ongoing inflammatory response.
• Fever: Low-grade fever may occur during RA flares. This is usually mild but can indicate heightened disease activity or the body’s immune system reacting to inflammation. Fever often accompanies other systemic symptoms like fatigue and malaise.
• Loss of appetite: Many people with RA experience a reduced appetite, which can lead to unintentional weight loss over time. This symptom may be influenced by chronic inflammation, fatigue, or discomfort caused by joint pain.
• Weakness: Generalized weakness and a feeling of malaise are common, making routine tasks feel more strenuous. Muscle weakness can result from reduced activity due to joint pain and from the systemic effects of chronic inflammation.
• Symmetrical symptoms: RA typically affects joints on both sides of the body. For example, both hands, wrists, or knees may experience pain, swelling, or stiffness simultaneously. This symmetry helps distinguish RA from other types of arthritis, which may affect joints asymmetrically.

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Nodules: Rheumatoid arthritis can cause firm lumps, known as rheumatoid nodules, to develop under the skin near affected joints. These nodules are usually painless but can sometimes become tender or irritated, especially when they form over pressure points like elbows or fingers. Their presence is often a sign of more advanced RA and helps doctors identify the severity of the condition.
• Dry eyes and mouth: Many people with RA experience dryness of the eyes and mouth, a condition medically referred to as Sjogren’s syndrome. This autoimmune disorder often occurs alongside rheumatoid arthritis and can lead to discomfort, irritation, and difficulty swallowing or wearing contact lenses. Recognising this symptom is important for managing both RA and associated complications effectively.
• Lung involvement: In some cases, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lungs, causing inflammation or scarring of lung tissue. This can lead to breathing difficulties, a persistent cough, or reduced oxygen capacity. Lung involvement is considered a serious RA complication and highlights the importance of regular monitoring for the disease’s systemic effects.
• Heart problems: People with RA have an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks, strokes, and inflammation of the heart lining. Chronic inflammation from RA can accelerate atherosclerosis and other heart conditions, making heart health monitoring a crucial part of managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
• Blood vessel inflammation: Vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels, is another potential complication of RA. This condition can affect blood flow to vital organs and tissues, causing symptoms like skin rashes, numbness, or even organ damage in severe cases. Early detection and treatment of vasculitis are essential to prevent long-term health risks associated with RA..

If not properly managed, RA can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing symptoms and preventing joint damage. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Gout, also known as gouty arthritis, is a type of arthritis that causes intense pain in one or more joints. Other symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Shiny skin
• Tenderness
• Pain that feels like throbbing, crushing, or excruciating 

Gout flares often begin suddenly at night and can be severe enough to wake you up. The big toe is the most common joint affected, but gout can also affect other toes, the ankle, or the knee.