There are many different symptoms of arthritis, and they can vary depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of the condition. Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are the most common symptoms of arthritis. Your symptoms may also feel worse in the morning when you get out of bed or upon standing up after you’ve been resting.
Some common symptoms of arthritis include:
Pain: Arthritis can cause pain in the joints, which may be worse during periods of activity or after periods of inactivity.
Stiffness: Arthritis can cause stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity that can last 30 minutes or more .
Swelling: Arthritis can cause swelling in the joints, which may be accompanied by warmth or redness.
Decreased range of motion: Arthritis can cause decreased range of motion in the joints, making it difficult to move them fully.
Fatigue: Many people with arthritis experience fatigue, which can be caused by the inflammation and pain associated with the condition.
Weakness: Arthritis can cause weakness in the muscles around the affected joints.
Tenderness: The joints may feel tender to the touch in people with arthritis.
Deformity: In severe cases of arthritis, the joints may become deformed due to the progressive destruction of the cartilage and bone.
Other symptoms include:
- clicking or popping with bending
- instability or buckling of the joint
- bony growths in the fingers
- grating or scraping feeling in the knees
- more than one affected joint
- onset in smaller joints like feet and hands
- same joints on both sides of the body are affected
- low-grade fever
- inflammation of the eyes and mouth
- inflammation of the heart muscle and blood vessels
- low red blood cell count
It is important to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go over time. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific type of arthritis and symptoms.