Arthritis is a general term for joint inflammation that can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness. There are many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis symptoms vary depending on the type, but most forms share one thing in common — joint pain and stiffness that make everyday movement harder. The discomfort often worsens after rest or first thing in the morning.
You may also notice redness and warmth around the affected joints, a sign of inflammation beneath the surface. Swelling can make the joints appear enlarged or tender to the touch, while decreased range of motion limits how far you can bend, stretch, or rotate the area.
In some cases, arthritis causes fatigue, low-grade fever, or general weakness, especially when inflammation is active. Over time, chronic stiffness can lead to joint deformities or loss of strength in nearby muscles.
Commonly affected areas include:
Knees
Hands and fingers
Hips
Lower back
Ankles and feet
Depending on the underlying cause, these symptoms can appear gradually or flare suddenly. Persistent or worsening joint pain should always be checked by a GP or rheumatologist to identify the specific type of arthritis and begin early treatment.
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