What are the early symptoms of arthritis?

August 19, 2024

The Arthritis Strategy By Shelly Manning if you are suffering from painful arthritis for long then the eBook, The Arthritis Strategy, can help you in getting rid of its in just a few days by following its 21-day program. It includes some easy-to-do exercises as well as plans to change your eating habits to some extent to get the best and fastest results even if you are suffering from arthritis for since long.


What are the early symptoms of arthritis?

The early symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type of arthritis, but generally, arthritis involves inflammation of the joints that leads to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. Here are the common early signs to watch for:

1. Joint Pain

  • Aching or Throbbing: Pain in the joints is often the first sign of arthritis. It may start as a dull ache or a sharp, throbbing pain that can come and go, particularly after periods of inactivity or overuse.

2. Joint Stiffness

  • Morning Stiffness: One of the hallmark symptoms, especially in inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, is stiffness in the joints, particularly upon waking in the morning or after sitting still for a long time. This stiffness usually improves with movement.
  • Reduced Range of Motion: You may notice difficulty in moving the affected joint as easily as before. This can impact activities like bending the knee, gripping objects, or turning the neck.

3. Swelling

  • Inflammation: The affected joint(s) may become swollen, and this swelling can sometimes feel warm to the touch. The skin over the joint might appear red or inflamed in some cases.

4. Tenderness

  • Sensitivity to Touch: The joints may become tender to the touch, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Pressure on the joint can cause discomfort.

5. Fatigue

  • Generalized Tiredness: Fatigue is common in inflammatory types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. It may be due to the body’s immune response and inflammation.

6. Joint Warmth

  • Warm Joints: The affected joints may feel warm to the touch, indicating inflammation in the joint lining (synovium). This warmth is typically associated with inflammatory arthritis.

7. Mild Fever (In Inflammatory Types)

  • Fever and Malaise: In autoimmune types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, mild fever and a general feeling of being unwell may accompany early symptoms.

8. Loss of Joint Function

  • Difficulty Using the Joint: In the early stages of arthritis, you might experience difficulty performing simple tasks, like opening jars, climbing stairs, or walking due to joint discomfort or reduced function.

9. Bone Spurs (in Osteoarthritis)

  • Bony Growths: In osteoarthritis, small bony growths called spurs can develop around the affected joint, which can cause joint deformities and contribute to pain and stiffness.

10. Cracking or Grinding Sensation

  • Joint Sounds: You may notice a cracking, grinding, or popping sound when you move the affected joint, often due to cartilage loss in osteoarthritis.

Summary:

Early symptoms of arthritis often include joint pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), swelling, tenderness, reduced range of motion, and fatigue. These symptoms may start mildly but can worsen over time if not managed. Detecting arthritis early can help with better management and treatment, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you notice these signs.

The Arthritis Strategy By Shelly Manning if you are suffering from painful arthritis for long then the eBook, The Arthritis Strategy, can help you in getting rid of its in just a few days by following its 21-day program. It includes some easy-to-do exercises as well as plans to change your eating habits to some extent to get the best and fastest results even if you are suffering from arthritis for since long.