To know if you have arthritis, watch for these common symptoms:
- Joint pain that can be constant or come and go, often worsens with activity or after inactivity, and may feel like throbbing or aching.
- Joint stiffness , especially in the morning or after sitting for a while, that lasts longer than 30 minutes (often over an hour in rheumatoid arthritis).
- Swelling, warmth, and redness around the joints.
- Difficulty moving joints or reduced range of motion.
- Symptoms often affect small joints like those in the hands and feet but can involve other joints.
- Inflammatory arthritis symptoms may also include fatigue, fever, and general malaise.
If these symptoms persist for several weeks or worsen, it is important to see a healthcare provider. They will examine your joints, assess your symptoms and may do imaging or blood tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Keeping a symptom diary before your visit can help the doctor understand your condition better.
