What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
Arthritis is a chronic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The word arthritis refers to joint inflammation, and includes different types of joint problems with different symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling. The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Other forms include systemic lupus erythmatosus, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
- Stiffness of joints, especially after rest or sleep. Stiffness of joints in osteoarthritis develops gradually
- Severe pain in the joints
- Swelling in the joints
- Loss of flexibility of joints
- Formation of bony enlargements or nodes in fingers
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Pain and swelling in the joints on both sides
- Swelling, pain, and warmth in and around the joints
- Tiredness
- Nodules near elbow
- Stiffness in limbs, especially after a period of rest
Symptoms of Gout
- Acute inflammation in the joints
- Severe pain, swelling, and redness in and around the joints
- Big toe is the most common affected part
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Pain in the flank or groin
- Fever
- Chills
In children, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by:
- Intermittent fever
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Anemia
- Rashes on arms and legs
- Joint stiffness
- Joint swelling
The warning signs that require medical attention include:
- Pain accompanied by fever
- Extreme tenderness in the joints
- Sudden development of pain associated with redness
- Pain in arms, legs, or back after sitting for a short period of time
Severe forms of arthritis may affect the day-to-day activities of a person. Swelling and stiffness of the weight-bearing joints in the body may affect walking and sitting. In some cases, joints may become twisted or deformed. Organs, such as the kidneys, heart, and lungs may also be affected in some cases.
