Is there constant pain and stiffness of the joints? Are you unable to perform your daily activities due to the decreased range of motion? Is that joint pain and swelling stealing your peace of mind? Well, it can be arthritis. While this is believed as an age-related disease that targets the elderly, it is not. Youngsters and children can also suffer from arthritis. The primary reason is ignoring the warning signs or initial symptoms of arthritis that puts a person at risk of developing an arthritis condition. With time, this becomes chronic and untreatable. Only when diagnosed timely, it can be controlled. You must be vigilant about the signs and symptoms of arthritis in order to prevent and manage arthritis. In this article, we brief you about the symptoms of arthritis as told by Dr. Girish L. Bhalerao, Joint Replacement Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist at Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road. Watch out for them carefully and seek timely intervention.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis can be termed as swelling and tenderness of one or more joints that will give you a tough time. It is a debilitating condition and can leave you crippled for life. The swelling and tenderness of one or more joints are one of the major and common symptoms of Arthritis. The joint pain and stiffness normally worsen with age. Causing inflammation of the joints defines arthritis. There are over 100 types of arthritis, following various causes and medical treatment methods. Within different types of arthritis osteoarthritis (also known as OA) and rheumatoid (RA) is the most common types which usually noticed within the patients. Know about the symptoms of it.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Different types of arthritis will lead to different symptoms. But, here we tell you about some common symptoms that will require immediate medical attention.
Pain
If you notice unbearable pain owing to which you are unable to do your daily activities with ease then it can be arthritis. This is one of the most prominent symptoms of arthritis. Most commonly, your joints such as knees, elbow, ankles, etc. would feel pain in arthritis. The pain also varies depending upon the type of arthritis you might be suffering from.
Redness
This is another worrisome symptom of arthritis that needs to be dealt with on an immediate basis. If you see your joints becoming red without any injury, you must see a doctor. This is a prominent warning sign of arthritis. In some cases, people suffer from redness in multiple areas of the body. If you witness the same, get yourself checked for arthritis.
Also Read: How To Manage Joint Pain During Osteoporosis Through Diet, Know From Nutritionist
Stiffness
Unable to hold a glass or if your grip weak? Then, the joints may have become stiff. This indicates arthritis. Besides, if you feel weak and struggle to get up after resting for some hours, this could also be due to arthritis. Once in a while, it is okay to feel weak but if this becomes a daily thing, it needs to be given the necessary attention.
Tenderness
Tenderness of the joints can be problematic and that means you need to see a doctor. If your joints feel painful upon a slight touch with no extra pressure, it indicates tenderness. Joint pain along with tenderness is a worrisome indication of serious wear and tear. If younger adults experience this, you must get it checked. Symptoms can worsen in a short span of time and then, the situation may go out of control.
Also Read: Avoid These 7 Foods If You Have Arthritis
Warmth
This is also serious and may be a sign of arthritis. In this, one or more joints of your body feel warmer than the rest part of the surrounding skin. Most people ignore this sign to be due to exertion whereas it could actually be arthritis. Thus, if your joints feel hot for no reason, it possibly is arthritis.
The take-home message: Hence, immediately seeing your doctor is a better decision if you are unsure, about how to cure the ailment for its diagnosis. The doctors will examine you for fluid around the joints, warm or red joints, and limited range of motion in the joints. Your doctor will then decide on a proper line of treatment for you.
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