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There are many forms of arthritis, though for the most part, the signs are similar. In all cases of arthritis, the result is inflammation.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the joints in the body and can most easily be described as the breaking or wearing down of cartilage. When bits or pieces of cartilage break off the result is pain and swelling in the joint that is between the bones. Over time, as the cartilage wears down, the bones will grind or rub against each other. This form of arthritis most often affects the weight bearing joints in the spine, hips, knees and hands.
Osteoarthritis is typically non-inflammatory, however while in most cases there is no swelling in the early stages, as it progresses, inflammation of the joints may occur.
The symptoms of arthritis start slowly with pain, stiffness and loss of range in motion or flexibility in the affected joint or joints. While some people will only experience stiffness, others may experience the feeling of their joints creaking or feel as though they are cracking. Another feeling people may experience is their joint moving out of alignment.
Symtoms of Osteoarthritis may include
- Stiffness in the joints after getting out of bed after an extended period of time
- Pain in one or more of your joints
- Swelling or inflammation in your joint
- Decrease in your range of motion in or around the affected joint
- Lumps that develop on either the end or middle joints of the fingers
Rheumatoid arthritis is another common form of arthritis. It is an autoimmune disease that is best described as your immune system attacking other parts of your body. The inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis has affected some internal organs and can affect any joint, though it most frequently affects the hands and/or feet.
As with osteoarthritis, the symptoms of arthritis (rheumatoid) start gradually. Most people feel the first signs or symptoms in their fingers or toes as these are the smaller joints in your body. Over time, this condition will most undoubtedly progress to the point of experiencing pain, swelling and stiffness in other joints in your body. The result of this is the non-ability to move around. With the weather changes, those suffering from this form of arthritis often feel this in their joints.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis may include
- Redness
- Pain
- Swelling
- Warm feeling in the joint
- Fatigue
- Malaise
To determine if the signs and symptoms that you are experiencing are those of arthritis, you should consult your physician. Once arthritis has been confirmed and the type diagnosed, your doctor will be able to work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you, prescribe or recommend medication for both short and long term recovery and will also work with you to design a physical exercise program that will help you strengthen and regain flexibility in the affected joint(s). Some factors such as the type of arthritis, your lifestyle and occupation as well as your activity level may prompt your doctor to recommend a physical therapist to assist in designing an exercise program for you.
When meeting with your doctor, he/she may ask the following questions to assist them in determining whether you are indeed experiencing symptoms of arthritis.
- Do you feel persistent pain in one or more of your joints?
- Does this pain worsen with movement or activity?
- Do you feel stiffness in your joints after having been in bed for a prolonged or extended period of time?
- Have you suffered any recent injury or fall?
- Do any of your joints appear to be swollen?
- Do your joints appear red or warm to the touch?
- Is the affected joint tender to the touch?
- Is there a change in your range of motion within the affected joint?