What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on what type of arthritis you have.  Arthritis can affect several part of the body and can be caused by several different factors.  Although many of the arthritis symptoms may be similar, there are also some differences.  Here are a few examples of arthritis symptoms.      

Ankylosing spondylitis is arthritis of the joints in the spine.  It is also known as Marie-Strumpell disease and . rheumatoid spondylitis This disorder affects multiple organs such as eyes, heart, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.  Symptoms of this arthritis include:  low back and hip pain and stiffness; difficulty expanding the chest; pain in neck, shoulders, knees, and ankles; low-grade fever; fatigue; weight loss.  Initial arthritis symptoms are uncommon after the age of 30, although patient may not be diagnosed until after then.

Bursitis is another form of arthritis.  Bursitis usually affects the hip, shoulder, and elbow.  But it can also affect the knee, heel, or base of big toe.  Usually this affects athletes, golfers, baseball players, or people who are out of shape and have poor posture.  This arthritis’ symptoms are pain and stiffness in the joint.  Arthritis symptoms become worse when joint is used.  The joint may also be swollen and warm to the touch.

Juvenile arthritis symptoms are similar to the adult symptoms.  There is pain, swelling, and joint stiffness.  Symptoms can come and go.  Young children especially do not complain about their arthritis symptoms.  Parents may not notice until they see their child limping, avoiding physical activity, or acting unusually clumsy.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form in older people.  It is brought on partly by long-term everyday use.  Depending on which part of the body is affected, arthritis symptoms may vary.  Most people with osteoarthritis in their fingers don’t even know about it unless an x-ray reveals deterioration in the cartilage.  Arthritis symptoms are standard with pain and swelling.  With osteoarthritis though, even though the arthritis never goes away, the pain fades over time.

Gout is a form of arthritis where the body has too much uric acid.  The symptoms of gout arthritis are intense pain in the joint (usually the big toe).  It may also become red, swollen, and warm to the touch.  At times, gout can occur in the wrists, ankles, and knees.  Arthritis symptoms may not come back for several years.  But if crystals formed by the uric acid are left untreated, it can destroy part of the bone.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system.  Arthritis symptoms usually start out as minor stiffness and pain.  It may come and go, but eventually the arthritis systems get worse and more frequent.  Treatment for this is most effective if caught within the first few months.

If you have some arthritis symptoms, contact your doctor.  Treatments are always more effective if they are caught in the early stages.  You can also get more information on arthritis symptoms from the Arthritis Foundation.

Improving Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Improving Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where white blood cells suddenly attack healthy tissues, specifically joints and cartilage.  There are a few ways to help ease the symptoms, depending on which stage of the disease you are in.  If you are in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis there is a new disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) which has done an excellent job in controlling symptoms.  It works best in the initial stages, so if you suspect you may have rheumatoid arthritis, see your doctor as soon as possible.

There are other options if you are in later stages of rheumatoid arthritis.  These are also helpful if you are still in early stages.  One is to use anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.  This does a great job reducing pain and inflammation.  However, these have side effects including heart problems and gastrointestinal bleeding.  You can also use acetaminophen for your rheumatoid arthritis, which does not have these side effects.

When symptoms are mild, moderate exercising including stretching, weight lifting, and aerobics ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.  Be sure to rest when your joints flare up as this would just add strain to your aching joints.  Stretching is important because it increases flexibility and is easy enough to do at any age.  When stretching, stop when you feel mild discomfort and hold for 10 to 30 seconds.  Then repeat 3 to 5 times.  Weight lifting also improves flexibility as well as strength and balance.  Barbells are easy, convenient, and inexpensive.  Remember to stretch before lifting any weights.  Start with 3 sets of 8 to 10 repetitions.  If you would like you can start with no weights at all (such as going leg lifts for rheumatoid arthritis in the knees), then add weights when you can.  Lift the weights slowly and evenly to not damage the cartilage.

Some other popular forms of exercise for rheumatoid arthritis are aqua therapy and Tai Chi.  Be sure to find an actual therapist as they have specific exercises they do for arthritis patients.  Aerobics instructors may push to far and do further damage.  Tai Chi has no long term studies proving its effectiveness, but due to testimonials from patients who have taken Tai Chi, the Arthritis Foundation began offering the class.  Remember to always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Some other ways to relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain are to lose weight to take additional pressure off joints, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, using heat or ice, and possibly using devices such as a cane, brace, or splint.  There are many resources for additional information on rheumatoid arthritis including websites, flyers, periodicals, books, etc.  Your doctor should be able to provide you with some reference on where to look for additional h