What Symptoms of Arthritis Do You Have?

Scientists have identified over one hundred different types of arthritis. So when a doctor diagnoses a patient with arthritis, how does he know which type the patient is suffering from? He looks at the symptoms. Some of the things he looks for are: * Pain and tenderness in joints; * Joints that swell and have underlying inflammation; * Joints that are stiff and lack flexibility; * Warmth and redness; * Weight loss for no reason.

Go to Your Doctor if You Suspect Arthritis

If you’ve been experiencing pain, swelling, and stiffness for longer than two weeks, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor. He will be able to assess if you have arthritis and the type you have. He’ll start by looking at your medical history and family background. For instance, if your family has a history of osteoarthritis, he’ll have a good place to start looking. He’ll do a physical and order some lab tests and x-rays. The symptoms you are exhibiting will also provide him with the information he needs.

Before he can design the proper treatment plan for your arthritis, the doctor will need to determine which of the 100+ types of the disease you are suffering from. Arthritis symptoms can be funny. They can come and go very quickly, or gradually over time. They can also manifest themselves in different ways such as insomnia, fatigue, depression, and muscle pain.

As arthritis progresses, you’ll see it manifest itself in many different ways. Jobs around the house and at work, or even leisure activities may become too difficult due to the pain and stiffness in your joints. You may have joints which are unable to function at all. Normal functions of everyday life, things like getting up in the morning, climbing stairs, standing after sitting, and performing personal hygiene tasks, may become more challenging.

Once you think you might have arthritis, go to your doctor as soon as possible. You want to get started on a treatment plan immediately. If you wait, your joints will continue to deteriorate. While this deterioration can be slowed with proper treatment, left untreated you will suffer irreversible damage. Avoid putting excess stress on painful joints. One way you can do that is by taking off extra pounds. There are also many devices on the market which can help you remain active and mobile.

It’s possible you could have arthritis symptoms and not even realize it. As we age our bodies change, and arthritis can creep up on you so gradually that you don’t even know it’s arrived. One thing you might do to keep abreast of your health is to keep a journal. Record instances of pain or swelling in your joints. How often do you have symptoms? List activities which you have trouble doing or any other relevant facts. By keeping a written record you’ll be able to go back and compare in order to see the changes that take place.

While going about your daily activities, consciously give yourself mini-assessments. Did you have any problems getting dressed this morning? Did it seem more difficult to bend your elbows in order to put your arms in the sleeves? Were the buttons hard to button? When you went to stand from that straight kitchen chair after lunch, could you do it without pushing yourself up with your arms? Did you find it hard to get out of your car? By asking yourself these things and many others, you can keep yourself aware of your own health and take proper action.

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