Joint Pain is Not the Only Symptom of Arthritis

Arthritis affects millions of people every day.  Knowing what the symptoms are will enable you to know if you should see a medical professional for a proper diagnosis.  Joint pain is a symptom of arthritis and if you are experiencing joint pain you should see your doctor.  Other symptoms of arthritis are inflammation of the joint, redness sometimes accompanied by heat in and around the joint.  Stiffness and lack of movement without pain are also symptoms of arthritis.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should plan a visit to your family doctor to get a proper diagnosis for your symptoms.  Detecting arthritis early can help prevent the joint from further damage and improve your condition.  Arthritis can be debilitating, frustrating to deal with, and even in some cases cause death.

At the first signs of discomfort, pain, inflammation or lack of movement you should speak with your health care provider.  Your health care provider will be able to diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan that best suits your needs.  This way, you can live a productive healthier life.

There are more than a hundred different types of arthritis, some more severe than others.  With there being that many, diagnosis can be difficult.  But although it may be difficult doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek medical advice.  The longer you put off a diagnosis, the worse your condition may be becoming.  Allowing time to destroy the joint just doesn’t seem like it would be the answer or a treatment.  Maybe your knee makes noise when you walk up steps . . . a symptom.  Maybe you can’t stretch without experiencing excruciating pain . . . a symptom.

What You Can Expect at Your Initial Visit

Your doctor will want to discuss your symptoms.  They will want a complete medical history and some family medical history.  You can expect a complete examination.  You most likely with have your range of motion checked.  The doctor may feel that more tests are needed to provide an accurate diagnosis.  These tests would consist of x-rays (which will examine the bones), and blood tests.  It might be possible you will need a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and possibly joint aspiration, which is a needle is injected into the joint removing a small amount of fluid.

If you are experiencing your pain only in the morning, you may be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.  Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis that develops slowly by deteriorating the cartilage in the joint.  It can also cause bone spurs, and lipping which can cause joint pain.

It is most important to get a diagnosis for your condition early.  If you experience joint pain, you should talk with your doctor instead of thinking it will pass.  Even if it does pass doesn’t mean you don’t have an underlying medical condition like arthritis.  Talk with your doctor so that you may prevent joint pain and arthritis.  Your symptoms are treatable, manageable, and can possibly be cured.