Arthritis
Arthritis is defined as a condition leading to pain, loss of movement and inflammation of a joint or joints. This inflammation usually results in swelling, pain - from minor to extreme, and stiffness resulting from infection. This disease also sees patients suffering from metabolic disturbances, trauma and degenerative changes.
Arthritis has over 100 forms, though the most common genres are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Symptoms of Arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present. Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with certain forms of arthritis can also include fever, gland swelling (lymph node), weight loss, fatigue, feeling unwell, and even symptoms from abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart, or kidneys.
Common Signs to Watch For
- Constant joint pain at all times
- Tenderness in any of the joints which become painful if the particular part is moved or even while performing regular activities, such as walking, throwing a ball, turning a key, writing, etc.
- Inflammation noticed in the joints, culminated with stiffness, redness, swelling, and problem in movements
- If the patient notices any deformities in the joints
- Weight loss for unknown reasons
- Loss of flexibility in the joints
- Constant fatigue and weakness
- Symptoms of Crepitus, which is a condition characterized by a crackling or grating sound or feeling in and around the joints, under the skin and around the lungs
- Unknown reasons for fever