7 Signs of Arthritis You Shouldn’t Ignore
1. Persistent Joint Pain
- What it feels like: Aching or sharp pain in one or more joints (e.g., knees, fingers, hips, or back), even when resting.
- Why it matters: Ongoing joint pain is one of the earliest and most common signs of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Joint Stiffness (Especially in the Morning)
- What it feels like: Difficulty moving joints or feeling “stuck” after waking up or after periods of inactivity.
- Why it matters: Morning stiffness lasting more than 30–60 minutes is often a sign of inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Swelling Around the Joints
- What it looks like: Puffy, tender, or warm joints with visible inflammation.
- Why it matters: Swelling means your body is reacting to irritation or damage in the joint—this can signal arthritis or another autoimmune condition.
4. Redness or Warmth in the Joints
- What it looks/feels like: The joint looks red and feels hot to the touch.
- Why it matters: This could be a sign of inflammation, infection, or even gout. These are not normal and need medical evaluation.
5. Reduced Range of Motion
- What it means: You can’t move the joint as freely as before—difficulty bending, stretching, or rotating the joint.
- Why it matters: Loss of flexibility is a common sign of cartilage breakdown or joint damage, common in arthritis.
6. Fatigue and General Weakness
- What it feels like: Feeling extremely tired, even after rest, sometimes accompanied by low-grade fever.
- Why it matters: Autoimmune types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause systemic fatigue as the immune system attacks healthy tissues.
7. Joint Deformities or Lumps
- What it looks like: Noticeable bumps, crooked fingers, or misaligned joints.
- Why it matters: This usually appears in advanced arthritis stages, especially in rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, and indicates joint damage has occurred.
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider or rheumatologist. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent joint damage and improve your quality of life.