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Arthritis can influence various parts of the body's joints and muscles and be caused by several different reasons. Although many arthritis symptoms may appear to be alike, they are differentiated by core dissimilarities. Your symptoms will vary depending on which form of arthritis you have.
Here are just a few common examples of arthritis symptoms:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in older people, is brought on partly by long-term everyday wear-and-tear. Symptoms may vary depending on which part of the body is affected. Most people with osteoarthritis in their fingers, for instance, don't even know it exists until an x-ray reveals deterioration in the cartilage. Arthritis symptoms begin with pain and swelling. Although the arthritis never reverses, with osteoarthritis the pain does fade over time.
Rheumatoid
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system. Symptoms usually start out as minor stiffness and pain that likely comes and goes. Eventually the arthritis worsens and flare-ups occur more frequently. Treatment for this form of arthritis is most effective when identified within the first few months.
Bursitis
Bursitis is also a form of arthritis. Bursitis typically affects the hip, shoulder, or elbow, but it can also affect the knees, the heels of your feet, or the base of a big toe. This is most common with athletes, golfers, baseball players, or people who are in poor condition and have poor posture. The symptoms are pain and stiffness in the joint, which worsen when the joint is used. The joint may swell and become warm to the touch.
Gout
Gout forms wherever the body stores excess uric acid. The symptoms of gout are intense pain in the joint, usually in a big toe. Like bursitis, it may also redden, swell, and become warm to the touch. At times, gout can occur in the knees, ankles or wrists. Symptoms may disappear and not return for years, but if crystals formed by the uric acid are untreated, it can destroy part of the bone.
Juvenile
Juvenile arthritis symptoms are similar those in adults. There is pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints that can come and go. Typically young children don't complain about their symptoms, so parents may not notice there's a problem until they notice their child is limping or exceptionally clumsy.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis,also known as Marie-Strumpell disease and rheumatoid spondyliti, is arthritis of the joints in the spine. This disorder affects multiple organs such as the heart, lungs, eyes, gastrointestinal tract and the skin. Symptoms include low back and hip pain and stiffness; pain in neck, shoulders, knees, and ankles; difficulty expanding the chest; low-grade fever; fatigue; weight loss. Initial symptoms are rare after the age of 30, although the patient may not be diagnosed until much later.
Contact your doctor if you have any of these arthritis symptoms. Treatment is always more effective when dealt with in earlier phases. For more information on arthritis, its symptoms and treatments, contact the Arthritis Foundation. | 