Knowledge of signs and symptoms of arthritis gives a better chance of curing it. There are many types of arthritis and proper diagnosis helps in an effective treatment. Different types of arthritis are different conditions related to musculoskeletal system. Early signs and symptoms are same for almost all the known types of arthritis.
Joint pain is an early sign and symptom of arthritis. However everyone face a joint pain in normal life and every time a joint pain arises does not necessarily mean the presence of arthritis but joint pain accompanied by other symptoms gives definite clue for arthritis. Joint pain arising after a period of inactivity like sleep or rest accompanied with stiffness.
Pain starting with smaller joints like fingers, hands, wrist etc. and over a period of time moving to other joints like spine, cervical, hips, knees, elbows. Joint pain due to arthritis is symmetrical, that is if there is pain in a joint on the one side of the body there will be pain in the same joint on the other side of the body as well. If joint pain of this nature, is accompanied by flu like symptoms, anemia, weight loss, muscle pain and feeling of malaise, then it is a clear sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
Feeling of warmth in the joint with or without joint pain is also a possible sign and symptom of arthritis. It causes muscle-spar and initial warm feeling in the joints signal the start if this activity. Pain with tenderness in a joint aggravated by a movement also suggests for arthritis presence, difficulty in holding the objects, turning the key, knotting the shirt button, writing, typing etc are few alarm bells.
Cracking of joints is also treated as a sign and symptom of arthritis however people having less fat content in the blood may also have this problem but there is no harm in treating this sign seriously. Joint deformation or swelling on the joint are symptoms of osteoarthritis sometimes bending of finger or thumb also occurs and they are also serious warnings. Redness on any joint is another signal of possible arthritis presence. Any rashes on skin arising randomly or on any joint are early sign and symptom of reaction arthritis and if left untreated can damage the internal organs too.
Early morning weakness or feeling of fatigue or pain arising in any joint without any hard work also suggest this disease. If pain in the joints increase during weather changes then it should be taken very seriously sometimes people relate this symptom to thyroid problems too but it is also a very clear sign and symptom of arthritis.
Change in the voice like gradually voice turning hoarse or loss of flexibility or range of motion in any body part or joint are symptoms of arthritis. Frequent occurrences of fever or feeling feverish for most of the time in the day are also symptoms. Loss of appetite, weakness and depression, with out any other conclusive reason, may prove to be a warning signal.
