Arthritis Symptoms 

By Peter Johnson

Arthritis is essentially a broader name for a series of varying joint diseases, of which there are many. This is one of the major problems with diagnosing arthritis- is that it comes in so many different forms, each with different symptoms and treatments. It is importnat to understand the basics of arthritis and how these relate to the symptoms. Each of our joints is surrounded by a cartilage, a protective lubricant tissue that aids motion and serves as the bone’s shock absorber.  Arthritis is characterized by damage to the cartilage causing pain in the joints when moving. Symptoms of arthritis can vary greatly since there are more than 100 various types of this disease but there are general symptoms of arthritis that can help you detect it.

Persistent pain in the joint is one of the most common symptoms of arthritis. In addition to experiencing constant joint pain, another sign that you may arthritic is when the pain in your joint or joints worsen when you move or perform certain activities as simple as walking or standing up from your seat, writing, or throwing.

Weakness or a feeling of severe fatigue as well as losing weight for no apparent reason are also considered symptoms of arthritis. Another peculiar symptom is crepitus, a condition wherein there is a crackling sound accompanied by a grating sensation in the affected joints. It may or may not be painful. Crepitus can also occur in areas surrounding the lungs or under a person’s skin. In a joint, crepitus can be a manifestation of cartilage wear.

Swelling and stiffness in your joints accompanied by redness and warmth are also symptoms of arthritis. These conditions indicate joint inflammation. In addition, you may have arthritis if your joint has lost its flexibility or range of motion.

Again, there are several different types of arthritis and a person can actually have more than one type. Therefore, the symptoms of arthritis in one affected person may be different from another. A convenient way to find out if you do have arthritis and what type of arthritis you have is to take online arthritis screening quizzes. There are quizzes specific to a particular arthritis such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and etcetera.

However, the only way to get a definitive finding is to visit a doctor. To diagnose arthritis, your doctor will assess your medical history, perform a physical examination, and order specific x-rays and lab tests. It is highly advised that if you are experiencing persistent symptoms of arthritis as described above then seek a physician’s advice or consult a rheumatologist. If you have not obtained a definitive arthritis diagnosis from a doctor, do not attempt self treatment. You need to be diagnosed accurately in order to begin treatment that is appropriate to your specific condition.