Arthritis Symptoms 

Early Diagnosis and Appropriate Treatment
of your arthritis symptoms will help reduce the pain

The main symptoms of arthritis are pain, swelling and stiffness in joints, muscles and bones. The earlier the condition is diagnosed and treatment is started, the better.
 
Arthritis can develop at any age. There are cases of juvenile arthritis but it is more common in people over the age of forty. 

There are many kinds of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

In Osteoarthritis, the cartilage between the bones is worn away over time and the bones rub together, causing pain and stiffness. This degenerative condition can be worsened and aggravated by a lifestyle of heavy manual work or by violent and sustained sporting acrivity. Approximately eight or nine million people in the UK suffer from osteoarthritis. The severity of the symptoms can vary from mild inconvenience to severe disability.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the immune system, which attacks the joints and causes inflammation. There are about 350,000 sufferers in the UK. 

Ankylosing spondilitis is arthritis and  inflammation affecting the spine.

Fibromyalgia causes pain in  muscles and ligaments all over the body.

Gout is a result of a build up of acid crystals, causing extreme, sudden pain, usually in the big toe. Diet can be a big influence on the incidence and severity of gout.

Arthritis symptoms usually start with pain and stiffness in one or more joints. Fingers, hips and knees are most commonly affected but the pain can spread to any joint in the body. Difficulty in finding a comfortable position in bed can cause spasms of pain and disrupted sleep.

In addition to pain and stiffness, joints may become swollen and warm, with some lumps and disfigurement of the area. This is more common with rheumatoid arthritis and noticeably affects the hands and fingers.  

Don't Despair!  We know there is currently no cure for arthritis (despite what many people may tell you) but there is much that you can do to reduce and manage the pain and disability. There are many different ways to tackle the many problems and in many cases a few simple solutions can make a huge difference. See our Arthritis Treatment page.

When the arthritis gets to a severe stage, the problem becomes more than just the pain, it makes everyday tasks difficult or even impossible. Simple household jobs like turning handles or taps, or handling cooking utensils can be seriously affected by arthritis in the hands or shoulders. More intricate tasks like knitting, or sewing or even writing, that require more dexterity in the fingers, may prove to be impossible. Many specialist companies sell specially adapted tools and appliances for sufferers with serious arthritis symptoms in their hands.

Fortunately, the advent of the laptop, together with email, has provided a welcome alternative to the old-fashioned pen and ink. Not nearly so personal and intimate, but much better than isolation! 

Arthritis in the larger joints, like the hips, knees and ankles, can cause serious mobility problems, with stairs being particularly difficult and hazardous. Because these joints bear so much weight and they need to be strong and flexible, the strain on any joint which is weak is bound to be intensified. It goes without saying that being overweight will certainly aggravate the condition and adopting a suitable diet will benefit both your arthritis and your general health. Take a look at our Arthritis Diet page.

In both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, stiffness and pain is worse in the morning. This is why it is so important to get some gentle movement of all the joints early in the day, to get some looseness and flexibility. Cold and damp weather are the enemies of us arthritis sufferers, so it's really necessary to keep your circulation going during the winter months.

Osteoarthritis pain tends to  be continuous, while rheumatoid arthritis is more prone to disabling intermittent flare-ups, together with periods of comparative remission.

Pain may come during exercise or exertion but can also hit you when you're resting.

Ir you suspect the onset of arthritis, consult your doctor immediately. He or she can make a diagnosis, based on examination, blood tests and x-rays or MRI scans. Only then will you be in a position manage this disease in the most effective way.

 Arthritis Treatment      Arthritis Diet      Arthritis Drugs