7 Signs of Arthritis You Shouldn’t Ignore
Arthritis is a general term for conditions that cause joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. There are many types, including Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.
Early recognition can help you get appropriate treatment and maintain mobility.
1. Persistent Joint Pain
Pain that:
- Lasts for weeks or longer
- Recurs regularly
- Worsens with activity or, in some types of arthritis, is present even at rest
Commonly affected joints include the knees, hips, hands, feet, and shoulders.
2. Morning Stiffness
Stiffness after waking or after sitting still may be a sign of arthritis.
- Stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes is often seen with osteoarthritis.
- Stiffness lasting more than 30–60 minutes may suggest an inflammatory form of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Swollen Joints
Inflammation can cause joints to become:
- Puffy
- Tender
- Warm to the touch
Swelling that persists or keeps returning should be assessed.
4. Reduced Range of Motion
You may notice difficulty:
- Bending your knees
- Opening jars
- Climbing stairs
- Reaching overhead
Loss of flexibility can interfere with daily activities.
5. Joint Tenderness
The joint may hurt when:
- You press on it
- You move it
- You put weight on it
Tenderness may occur with or without visible swelling.
6. Grinding or Clicking Sensations
Some people with osteoarthritis notice:
- Grinding (crepitus)
- Clicking
- Cracking sounds during movement
These sounds are common and are not always a sign of arthritis, but if accompanied by pain or stiffness they may warrant evaluation.
7. Fatigue or Feeling Unwell
Inflammatory forms of arthritis can affect the whole body, causing:
- Persistent tiredness
- Low-grade fever
- General feeling of being unwell
- Unintentional weight loss in some cases
These symptoms are less common in osteoarthritis.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Arrange a medical assessment if you have:
- Joint pain lasting more than a few weeks
- Swollen, warm, or red joints
- Difficulty using a joint in daily life
- Morning stiffness that is persistent
- Symptoms affecting multiple joints
Seek urgent medical care if a joint becomes suddenly very painful, swollen, hot, and you have a fever, as this could indicate a joint infection or another urgent condition.
Ways to Support Joint Health
- Stay physically active with low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints.
- Strengthen the muscles around affected joints.
- Use pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicines only as directed by a healthcare professional.
- Consider physiotherapy if pain or stiffness limits your activities.
