There is a good chance that if you have been researching arthritis, you have probably been experiencing what you believe to be arthritis symptoms. That is not so surprising; in fact, most people who are eventually diagnosed with arthritis begin to suspect that they have the condition because they experience arthritis symptoms.
What if you are not sure what arthritis symptoms are?
The first and most obvious of all arthritis symptoms is joint pain and stiffness. What many people don’t realise, however, or what leads them to believe that they are not experiencing arthritis symptoms, is that this pain and stiffness is not necessarily constant.
Joint pain and stiffness as arthritis symptoms can fluctuate, because the disease can go through stages of remission. Many people also don’t experience arthritis symptoms in all of their joints. You may have symptoms only in one or two joints, or it may be more generalised.
Arthritis symptoms that may accompany pain and stiffness, or may be symptoms on their own, are swelling of the joints, or inflammation or redness. These can be very subtle, particularly if you experience them without any other symptoms, but if they’re persistent, or they’re interspersed with pain or discomfort, you should consider seeing a doctor or specialist.
Less Obvious Arthritis Symptoms
Not all symptoms of arthritis are directly related to the joints. You might also experience general symptoms, including fatigue or tiredness, a general feeling of malaise (you just don’t feel well, for no apparent reason), muscular aches and pains, or loss of appetite.
Arthritis symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis can also include even more obscure symptoms. These could be nodules on your body, lung complications, eyesight, your speech, and even heart trouble!
What to Do If You Have Arthritis Symptoms
If you have noticed some of the more common arthritis symptoms, then it’s a good idea to make sure, so that you can start to make the necessary changes to your lifestyle, and seek the right treatment.
The first thing you should know is that doctors rely heavily on arthritis symptoms to diagnose the disease. There’s no completely accurate test for some types of arthritis, so your doctor will probably question you extensively about the arthritis symptoms you have been experiencing.
He or she may then do a blood test, to measure the rheumatoid factor in your blood. A high result here will indicate a probability of arthritis, and, combined with your symptoms, should be able to tell your doctor if you have arthritis, and if so, how advanced it is. If your doctor suspects osteoarthritis, then he or she may require x-rays to confirm.
Once the necessary testing is done, your doctor should be able to diagnose a particular type of arthritis, and from there, he or she will devise a treatment plan. Whatever you do, however, never ignore arthritis symptoms. The sooner you are diagnosed with arthritis, the sooner you can start to receive proper care and treatment, and the healthier you will remain.
