What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

Tip! Temperature changes from heating pads and ice packs can help fight joint pain. In order to get the best results, you should alternate between using a heating pad and ice pack.

While there are more than 100 types of arthritis out there, one thing remains common about them all: pain and swelling of the joints. In most instances, arthritis will begin slowly first starting off with minimal symptoms and pain and then increase with time.

Just like most diseases, the symptoms can vary from person to person. Therefore, when reading the symptoms below, simply use this as a guide and never self diagnose yourself as these symptoms could very well mean something else.

Fatigue

Tip! Get plenty of sleep. It gives your body a fighting chance against the pain of arthritis.

The most common symptom that is felt long before anything else is fatigue. Feeling overly tired generally precedes the other symptoms by as far out as a few weeks to a few months. You might find that it comes and goes from day to day, and may even be accompanied by the feeling of simply not feeling well or feeling a bit down (depression.). Morning Stiffness.

Tip! It is important to keep your joints in mind when doing your daily activities. Some of the smallest tasks could be very difficult and painful, when having arthritis.

The stiffness can last for a few minutes and is typically a sign of a degenerative arthritis type. If the stiffness lasts for several hours, this could be a symptom of inflammatory type of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis. Stiffness in the Joints.

Tip! You may have to dial back your activity level if you suffer from Psoriatic Arthritis. It can take a huge toll on your energy level.

A common early sign of inflammatory arthritis is when stiffness of one or more smaller joints occurs. The stiffness can come and go, remain constant, and can happen at any time of day whether you've been active or not. Stiffness will likely start with the hands joints and will develop slowly. Joint Pain.

Tip! Eat a lot of protein. When you have arthritis, your body needs extra protein, so be sure to get plenty.

When they begin to move and while at rest, as the joints become stiff it is accompanied by tenderness or pain. This can affect any part of the body. Some of the more common areas to begin feeling joint pain is the fingers and the wrist however, it can also be experienced in the shoulders, feet, knees, and ankles. Joint Swelling.

Tip! Keep others informed. Letting others know that you have arthritis and the pain you deal with is important.

Inflammation of the joints is a common symptom early on. Some patients have reported feeling as if their hands were bigger than normal. Swelling of the joints can also cause them to feel warm to the touch. Patients have been known to have flare ups which can last from a few days to weeks which can increase in pattern over any given period of time. Fever.

Tip! It's important for arthritis sufferers to not carry more than they can comfortably handle. All arthritis sufferers, but especially women, can be afflicted by arthritis in their shoulders.

When symptoms such as joint pain and inflammation are prominent a low grade fever could follow. However, keep in mind that the fever should never be higher than 100 degrees or else this is a sign of something else. Tingling and/or Numbness.

Tip! Converting from a meat-based diet to a plant-based diet can help alleviate joint pain in people with arthritis. Optionally, give up dairy as well and adopt a vegan diet.

Inflammation of the tendons over time can create pressure to the nerves. When this happens signs of numbness, tingling, and/or burning can be felt. You might even hear a crackling or squeaking noise from the affected joints as the cartilage grinds against the joints.

Tip! A hot shower or bath can ease the pain brought on by arthritis. The moist heat gives relief from arthritis pain by allowing your tendons and muscles to loosen, which will help you relax.

Again, keep in mind that these are only a few of the symptoms you might experience if you suffer from arthritis. If you suspect you may have arthritis schedule an appointment with your doctor for a consultation.

While there are more than 100 types of arthritis out there, one thing remains common about them all: pain and swelling of the joints. In most instances, arthritis will begin slowly first starting off with minimal symptoms and pain and then increase with time. The stiffness can last for a few minutes and is typically a sign of a degenerative arthritis type. If the stiffness lasts for several hours, this could be a symptom of inflammatory type of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis. A common early sign of inflammatory arthritis is when stiffness of one or more smaller joints occurs.