Arthritis is a term used to describe over 100 different conditions that affect joints and the surrounding tissue. The two main categories of arthritis are inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis (OA) . The first sign of arthritis is pain, also called arthralgia, which can feel like a dull ache or a burning sensation. The pain may start after youve used the joint a lot, for example, if you’ve been gardening or if you just walked up a flight of stairs. Some people feel soreness first thing in the morning, while others report an achy feeling whenever it rains or the humidity changes. Pain or aching in a joint that gradually becomes worse over time is a classic symptom of arthritis.
Other symptoms of arthritis may include stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion. Arthritic joints from osteoarthritis feel sore and stiff, especially if you haven’t used them for a while. Often you’ll wake up sore in the morning, and it may take a few minutes for your joints to get moving again. People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing a sport, are more likely to develop arthritis. Arthritis symptoms can come on so slowly that you may not even realize you have the condition. You may simply feel a little more sore or tired than usual. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a medical provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
