Is It Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in your joints
deteriorates. Each joint has a protection of cartilage
between the bones. This allows the bones to bend and move
without rubbing against each other. As the cartilage
deteriorates, the bones begin rubbing against each other
causing pain, swelling, and inflammation of the joint.
Statistics show that 1 out of 7 people have arthritis.

Do you have Arthritis?

Inflammation of a joint does not necessarily indicate that
you have arthritis. You may have experienced an injury to
the joint there may be an infection, or another type of
disease.

An indication that you have Arthritis is when the
inflammation does not go away. Chronic arthritis can happen
at any age.

Arthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of Arthritis. This
type of Arthritis normally occurs in your fingers, knees, or
hips. Yet, you may experience it in other areas of your
body.

Arthritis symptoms may include

Stiffness of your joints
Pain in your joints
Swelling of your joints
Difficulty in moving your joints
The skin around the joint may be red and warm
Joints may be tender to the touch

Rheumatoid arthritis not only causes inflammation to the
joints and tissue but also may affect other organs. This
type of arthritis can attack at any age and is a long-term
disease. Women are affected more often than men are.
The most common areas affected are the fingers, feet,
wrists, knees, and ankles.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may include

Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Stiffness in the morning – lasts more than one hour
Muscle aches
Weakness
Joint pain
Joint swelling
The skin around the joint may be red and warm
Joints become deformed
Numbness

Acute Gouty arthritis caused by overproduction of uric acid
in your body that accumulates around the joints. It occurs
more often in the joints of your legs and feet.

Acute Gouty arthritis symptoms may include

Throbbing, crushing pain
The skin around the joint may be red and warm
Joints may be tender to the touch
Joint will look infected

There are many different types of arthritis with varying
degrees of symptoms. Your first step in determining if you
have arthritis is to consult with your doctor. He will give
you a thorough examination and determine if fluid is
collecting around the joints.

When you first notice the symptoms of arthritis contact your
doctor. Early treatment can help prevent damage to your
joints.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible when you notice

It is hard to move your joint
The skin around the joint is red or warm
Your joint is swollen
Unexplained joint pain
Joint pain lasts longer than 3 days
You have a fever or have lost weight unintentionally

The type and severity of the arthritis you have will
determine your treatment. If at all possible, your
treatment will try to eliminate your arthritis. If you
suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis, your treatment will be
aimed at reducing your pain and the stiffness associated
with your arthritis.

The earlier you can get diagnosed the earlier you can begin
your treatment. You will be able to decrease your pain,
improve your joint function, and you will be able to stay
productive.