Are you having problems with one or more joints? Are you aware of the signs which point to arthritis symptoms? If not, you should educate yourself on this disease. If diagnosed early, there is much you can do to keep arthritis symptoms at bay and to keep your joints from becoming severely  damaged.

It is common for an individual to think they have overworked their body if they are experiencing stiffness. They may also brush their stiffness and pain off to getting older. While it is true that we do slow down with age and we tend to feel various aches and pains as we grow older, continual joint pain is not normal.

Arthritis symptoms include inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and warmth at the joint site. Arthritis symptoms can also include weight loss, fatigue and fever. There are upwards of 100 different types of arthritis.

-Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It usually affects the knees and hips. This form of arthritis has been known for years as the “wear and tear” arthritis. 

-Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system attacks the lining of joints as if it were foreign, harmful matter. The swelling can be quite pronounced in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

-Gouty arthritis usually affects the big toe and knee. It is brought about by formations of crystals within the joint.

-Lupus arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. The joints most affected by this form of arthritis include the wrists, hands and knees.

If you have been experiencing pain in one or more joints and it does not go away with over the counter medication, or the application of heat or cold packs, you may have arthritis. You should never ignore arthritic symptoms. If you think you may have arthritis, you should see your local doctor. You may even be referred to a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is a specialist in bone, joint and muscle disorders. Rheumatologists treat arthritis, as well as autoimmune disorders.  While there is still no known cure for arthritis, there are medications which do much to aid in pain relief. These medications can also do much to slow down the progression of arthritis.