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Arthritis Symptoms: Pain, Swelling and Stiffness

Arthritis symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Learn which signs are typical and when it is time to see a doctor.

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Things worth knowing about "arthritis symptoms"

Arthritis symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Learn which signs are typical and when it is time to see a doctor.

What Are Arthritis Symptoms?

Arthritis is a broad term for inflammatory joint diseases that can occur in many different forms. Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, the joints affected, and the severity of inflammation. Early recognition and treatment generally lead to better long-term outcomes for those affected.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis

The most frequently reported signs that may indicate arthritis include:

Joint pain: Pain in one or more joints that may worsen with movement or physical activity.
Joint swelling: Affected joints appear swollen and feel warm to the touch, indicating active inflammation.
Morning stiffness: Joints feel stiff and difficult to move after waking up. This stiffness can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Redness of the skin: The skin over an inflamed joint may appear visibly red.
Reduced range of motion: The affected joint cannot move through its full range, making everyday tasks more difficult.
Warmth: The affected joint feels warmer than the surrounding tissue.

General Accompanying Symptoms

In addition to localized joint symptoms, certain forms of arthritis may also cause systemic symptoms:

Fatigue and exhaustion
Fever in acute or inflammatory forms
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
General feeling of being unwell

Symptoms by Type of Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. A hallmark feature is symmetrical joint involvement -- meaning the same joints on both sides of the body are typically affected, most commonly the fingers and wrists. Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes is characteristic.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis involves the progressive breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. Start-up pain after periods of inactivity is also common. The knees, hips, and finger joints are most frequently affected.

Gout Arthritis

Gout causes sudden, extremely intense pain, most often in the joint at the base of the big toe. The joint becomes severely red, swollen, and warm. Gout attacks frequently occur at night.

Reactive Arthritis

This form develops as a reaction to a previous infection, such as a gastrointestinal or urogenital infection. Joint inflammation appears with a delay after the original infection has resolved.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Medical consultation is strongly recommended if:

Joint pain persists for more than two weeks
Joints are noticeably swollen, red, or warm
Morning stiffness regularly lasts longer than 30 minutes
Multiple joints are affected at the same time
Fever, severe fatigue, or unexplained weight loss accompany joint symptoms
Daily activities are limited by joint complaints

Diagnosis of Arthritis

Diagnosing arthritis involves several approaches: a physical examination of the affected joints, blood tests (e.g., inflammatory markers such as CRP and ESR, rheumatoid factor), imaging methods such as X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, and in some cases analysis of joint fluid through a procedure called joint aspiration.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the specific type of arthritis and may include:

Medications: Pain relievers (analgesics), anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic therapies
Physical therapy: Targeted exercises to improve mobility and strengthen the muscles around the joints
Occupational therapy: Support in adapting daily activities to reduce joint strain
Surgical procedures: In severe cases, such as joint replacement (arthroplasty)
Lifestyle modifications: Weight management, joint-friendly exercise, and an anti-inflammatory diet

References

World Health Organization (WHO) - Musculoskeletal conditions (2023). Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions
Smolen JS et al. - Rheumatoid arthritis. Nature Reviews Disease Primers (2018). DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2018.1
Firestein GS et al. - Kelley and Firestein's Textbook of Rheumatology, 10th Edition. Elsevier (2017).

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