7 Arthritis Symptoms to Never Ignore

If you suffer from arthritis, you can more than likely relate to painful joints and the associated swelling. Although these are most certainly hallmark features, there are other related symptoms which you should not ignore. If you experience other issues throughout your body, this could be an indication that something isn't right or that you're having a reaction to medication. Please do not ignore the following 7 symptoms.

7. A Fever

If you have a fever, this could mean that an infection is to blame. Since inflammation is part of the problem, individuals with arthritis may experience a fever when inflammation reaches a certain point. Your fever may start as a mild fever and gradually increase over a shorter period of time. Take notice of the gradual increase and try to judge if it's getting worse by the minute.

If your fever is below 101, this is not generally considered to be serious amongst adults with arthritis. With that being said, if your fever rises above 101 or you have a fever that is accompanied by a number of other symptoms, see your physician immediately.

6. Issues With Your Digestive System

Research has found that those with arthritis tend to experience greater gastrointestinal issues. When taking various medications, such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, digestive problems are often a side effect. Whether you are constipated, bloated, or have abdominal pain, it is critical that you bring these symptoms to your doctor's attention. It's important to reassess your medication and get screened for the possible onset of a gastrointestinal disease.

5. Reduced Breathing

There are some possible complications regarding arthritis and lung problems, this is especially true for smokers. When experiencing years of inflammation, scarring can occur on your lungs, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, a dry cough, and weakness. Lung nodules and pleural disease are also a possibility. Regardless of other symptoms, if you are experiencing a reduced ability to breathe, you need to seek medical attention.

4. Unexplained Vision Loss

When suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, this autoimmune disease begins to attack healthy tissue, such as your eyes. Other forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as gout and reactive arthritis can also cause issues with your vision. Cataracts are a possible complication of arthritis, as well as pink eye, glaucoma, and uveitis. If you experience vision changes, speak with your physician immediately. If left untreated, vision issues can become permanent.

3. Changes In Mood

Arthritis is more than a physical condition, it's mental as well. Researchers have suggested a clear link between arthritis and mood since the 1970s, as physical symptoms often lead to mental symptoms. Patients often report symptoms of depression, mood swings, and social withdrawal. Although these are often linked to physical pain and discomfort, they can also be associated with the biological processes of rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, mood swings occur based on side effects from prescribed medications.

2. Chest Pains

Although you may be used to discomfort and pain, chest pain is an entirely different beast. There's a condition related to rheumatoid arthritis, known as costochondritis. This is caused by inflammation, which is often mistaken for a possible heart attack. In many cases, this pain is harmless, however, you should never ignore any chest pains or concerns regarding your heart.

Arthritis can most certainly influence heart failure, especially due to the ways in which inflammation impacts blood vessels. As vessels narrow and form plaque, this increases one's risk of a heart attack or stroke. Since there's a clear connection between rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease, please see a doctor if you're concerned.

1. Numbness

If you begin to experience numbness, weakness, or issues with your balance, this may indicate nerve damage. Since arthritis can affect your blood vessels, your nerve blood supply may be limited. In most cases, compression leads to numbness and weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms, discuss them with a medical professional.