What are the Symptoms of Arthritis? | OrthoAtlanta
What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that involves the swelling of one or more of your joints causing pain, stiffness, and discomfort. There are several different types of arthritis that can occur at different joints in your body. Usually this is a condition that appears and worsens with age. However, being able to recognize the signs of arthritis can lead to early intervention. Paired with modern technology and medicine, many are still able to live active lifestyles without much concern.
Types of Arthritis
Joints are located all over your body and are found at places where two bones meet. Since there are many joints, there are also many types of arthritis. Common types of arthritis include:
Ankylosing Spondylitis- arthritis in the spine or where the spine joins the pelvic bone.
Gout- arthritis caused by crystal buildup in the joints that occurs commonly in the foot.
Osteoarthritis- arthritis that comes about because of age and can occur in fingers, knees, or hips.
Rheumatoid arthritis- arthritis that emerges when the body’s immune system isn’t working properly.
When arthritis does occur, you’ll usually find that it affects areas of your body like your feet, hands, hips, knees, or back.
Causes of Arthritis
The cause of arthritis can come from many different sources. With common types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, the cause is usually “wear and tear” when the cartilage in between joints becomes worn over the years. In other types of arthritis like gout, the cause is an excess of uric acid in the body.
There are risk factors that makes someone more prone to developing this condition. Family history, age, your sex, previous injuries, obesity, and certain autoimmune diseases can all increase the likelihood of getting arthritis in your joints. For example, certain types of arthritis are more common in women and sedentary lifestyles along with being overweight can strain your joints, leading to arthritis.
Signs of Arthritis
The symptoms of arthritis range from mild to severe depending on the person. Some may experience discomfort that comes and goes with certain movements while others may feel a consistent pain in their joint throughout the day.
Common signs that point to arthritis include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Redness
- Difficulty moving
- Fever
- Tenderness
Different symptoms can also appear depending on the specific type of arthritis you are experiencing. Those with rheumatoid arthritis may find that they are more fatigued, have a lower red blood cell count, and feel inflammation in the eyes or mouth. On the other hand, those with osteoarthritis may experience a popping or clicking sound when bending, muscle weakness, or growths.
The most important takeaway is to schedule a visit with your healthcare provider if you suspect you may have arthritis. They will be able to treat it with medication, physical therapy, injections, or surgery and get you back to your regular routine.
Call us at (770) 953-6929 or visit us online to get in touch with our team of health professionals. We offer live telehealth video visits and in-person appointments. Learn more about our providers here.