Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis Symptoms

The most common symptoms of arthritis are pain and swelling within the joints. But the specific symptoms will likely depend upon the kind of arthritis and its degree of severity. Here are the signs of symptoms of the two most common forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis:

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

The primary symptoms of osteoarthritis, the “wear and tear” arthritis, are joint pain and stiffness that worsens over time. The affected joint may also experience in an increase in temperature, creakiness and inflammation.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis vary in their duration as well as their severity. Some individuals with osteoarthritis may not have any signs or symptoms for months while others experience chronic dull pain in their joints. The effects of osteoarthritis are also dependent upon the location of the joint pain. For instance, osteoarthritis of the hands causes hard and bony spurs to appear on the fingers while when the condition strikes the knees, a limp or deformity can develop as the disease progresses. Bow-legged knee, a consequent of osteoarthritis, occurs when there is progressive deterioration of the cartilage in the knee joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that produces chronic inflammation in the joints, is marked by muscle and joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, low-grade fever and lack of energy and appetite. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is systemic, meaning that it affects the internal organs of the body as well as the joints.

An estimated 1.3 million American are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Flare-ups and periods of remission wax and wane according to each individual person as symptoms and severity vary from case to case. When the joint is inactive for a period of time, stiffness occurs as well as pain and tenderness. The most common joint sites are the hands, wrists and feet. Symptoms occur on both sides of the body and can make actions of daily living such as brushing teeth, combing hair and holding a coffee mug very difficult and painful.

Chronic inflammation can cause deformities and tissue, bone and cartilage deterioration which when severe enough, can result in a loss of function in the affected joint.

The systemic inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis also impacts internal organs. Dry eyes and mouth, an enlarged spleen, and nodule formation in the lungs and under the skin are some of the effects of this condition.

While the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be very severe and widespread, they are best managed when they are found early so that treatment can restore function and prevent the further progression of the disease.