5 Symptoms Revealing You Could Have Arthritis

Arthritis affects millions of individuals worldwide and becomes more prevalent with age. Arthritis is a generalized inflammation of joint tissues that can make it painful to bend or flex one’s joints. There are hundreds of types of arthritis each with their own causes, symptoms, and treatments, making diagnosing arthritis more difficult that it might seem. Individuals often don’t know they are suffering from arthritis until their conditions become severe. However, there are some common symptoms of arthritis that are clear indicators of the condition.

Joint Pain

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but many people assume their chronic joint pain is related to their activity level, their age, or other causes. However, joint pain is the number one symptom revealing an individual could have arthritis. Any joint pain, whether severe or mild, whether persistent or intermittent, is a sign that one’s joints aren’t functioning as they should be and that arthritis might be present. Consult a doctor whenever joint pain is experienced.

Stiffness Or Decreased Range Of Motion

Arthritis can lead to a buildup of various fluids in one’s joints, making motion difficult. Individuals with arthritis often report a decreased range of motion in their joints or a painful stiffness that can become worse during the night. Like joint pain, many individuals write off their stiffness or decreased ranges of motion to other causes when in fact they are suffering from arthritis. Don’t take any joint stiffness or changes in range of motion lightly.

Weather-Related Aches And Pains

Individuals with arthritis often report increased levels of pain, discomfort, or stiffness in their joints corresponding to certain weather patterns. Increased levels of humidity can cause arthritis symptoms to worsen, as can colder weather. Some individuals with arthritis can even predict rainstorms due to the onset of pain as barometric pressure changes ahead of storms. Weather-related aches, pains, or stiffness is a clear symptom of arthritis and is a good indicator that a doctor’s visit is needed.

Family History

Arthritis is not necessarily a congenital disorder, but one’s family history is often a predictable indicator of whether or not an individual will develop arthritis. Some types of arthritis can run in families, however, so if one’s parents or siblings suffer from arthritis, it’s a good indicator that an individual might develop arthritis at some point in his or her life. A clear understanding of one’s family medical history can help one avoid medical complications later in life such as arthritis.

Swelling Of The Joints

The most clear-cut symptom revealing one has arthritis is swelling of the joints. Arthritis is medically defined as inflammation of joint tissues, which is usually accompanied by fluid buildup. Some types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause massive, painful swelling which can disfigure joints and appendages. Any sudden swelling of joints should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible to avoid developing severe arthritis or any associated complications.