Early Signs And Symptoms Of Arthritis

From forbes.com

Arthritis is a common medical condition often associated with getting older, but there’s more to arthritis than aging joints. Arthritis affects over 58 million people in the U.S. (about one in four people), with a higher incidence in women than men, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Arthritis is more common in people with poor overall health, and its prevalence increases with age. It’s also the leading cause of disability in the U.S.

“Arthritis [signifies] inflammation or swelling of one or more joints,” explains Robert Graham, M.D., a board-certified internal and integrative medicine physician in New York. “It describes [numerous] conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint and other connective tissues.” According to Dr. Graham, specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis but usually include joint pain and stiffness.

Arthritis can be very painful and uncomfortable, leading to limitations in activity or function—and eventually a decline in overall health and independence. Read on to learn more about the various classifications of arthritis, as well as common signs and symptoms of each type, so you can seek the appropriate care as needed.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

When people hear the term “arthritis,” they typically think of osteoarthritis (OA)—likely because it’s the most common form of arthritis, affecting 80% of U.S. adults over the age of 65. According to Dr. Graham, OA is considered a degenerative disorder caused by trauma or age-related wear and tear on joints over time. “OA is most likely to affect weight-bearing joints, such as the knee, hip, lower spine or big toe, but it can also cause pain and stiffness in the thumb or finger joints.”

Osteoarthritis can affect anyone at any age, but it most commonly appears in older adults. This particular type of arthritis affects the cartilaginous portion of the bone (the smooth surface at the end of a bone where it articulates with another bone and forms a joint). The degree of degeneration that occurs at a joint depends on many factors, including lifestyle, weight, medical history and activity level. OA affects people’s bodies asymmetrically and usually at specific joints based on a person’s lifestyle, profession, sports activities, hobbies and injuries.

Most notably marked by joint pain, inflammation and swelling, OA can have varying presentations and may even be asymptomatic for some people. People often discover they have arthritis incidentally after their health care provider requests medical imaging for another issue. Unfortunately, the effects of this disease can lead to moderate to severe disability, significantly affecting a person’s life and often incurring high medical costs.

Early Signs And Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Early signs and symptoms of OA can vary, but according to Dr. Graham, the earliest signs usually include joint pain or ache, as well as joint tenderness, swelling or stiffness that feels worse in the morning. Untreated pain or stiffness can lead to a limitation in mobility and overall function. While it’s estimated that 80% of U.S. adults ages 65 and older have radiographic evidence of OA somewhere in their bodies, only 60% of those with OA present with symptoms, according to Creighton University researchers Rouhin Sen and John Hurley.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

While OA is considered a degenerative disorder, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease in which the mechanisms that normally protect your body attack your own joints and tissues. RA causes inflammation at the joints and surrounding tissue, typically (although not always) affecting the body symmetrically (presenting in the same joints of both hands, for example). It usually involves multiple joints at the same time, beginning with the small joints of the hands and eventually progressing to larger joints, such as the hip and knees.

RA is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with smoking and obesity being two of the most common modifiable risk factors. RA is both chronic and progressive, meaning there’s no cure and it usually worsens over time, with years of inflammation at the joints leading to erosion of the cartilage and eventually bone, but there are treatments available.

Early Signs And Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Early signs and symptoms of RA include morning stiffness and pain, but it can be difficult to identify in its early stages. RA usually begins in the small joints of the fingers and feet and progresses to the larger joints, such as the hips and knees. Symptoms usually present gradually and can vary in intensity, increasing during “flares” of the disease.

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease that can be associated with the skin condition psoriasis. It affects the cartilage and bone along with the tendons and other tissues surrounding the joints. It can even affect the skin and nails. Marked by pain and swelling, this particular type of arthritis can have a wide variety of presentations, but it typically presents in people between 30 and 50 years old. While it occurs in people who have psoriasis, not all people who have psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis.

Early Signs And Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

Early signs and symptoms of PA include pain and swelling just like other forms of arthritis, but what distinguishes psoriatic arthritis symptoms is the “sausage-like swelling” of the fingers and toes, says Dr. Graham. PA can also cause skin rashes on the extensor surfaces of the body (such as the front of the knee or the back of the elbow), which can lead to the development of silver-like plaques. Pitted or dry nails are common presentations as well, according to Dr. Graham.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is commonly thought of as a condition that causes chronic fatigue and pain throughout the body, but there’s still much to learn about this diagnosis. According to Dr. Graham, fibromyalgia is a syndrome that can result in widespread body pain, fatigue and cognitive issues, and it’s especially associated with sleep disturbances. For many people, these symptoms last for years and require frequent medical visits to diagnose and address the variance in their symptoms. It’s estimated that 2% to 8% of the world population is affected by fibromyalgia, with women being affected more than men, according to research in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Early Signs And Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Because symptoms can vary widely, fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose—a frustrating conundrum for patients and doctors alike. However, symptoms typically begin with widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Other symptoms can include mood changes, anxiety and depression, and full body stiffness, says Dr. Graham. While symptoms often begin after emotional or physical trauma, there isn’t a clear trigger for many people.

What Is Gout?

“Gout is a painful form of arthritis,” says Dr. Graham. “Gout [occurs] when your body produces extra uric acid, which forms sharp crystals in the big toe or other joints, causing episodes of swelling and pain called gout attacks.” Gout is considered the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting about 9.2 million adults (mostly men) in the U.S. alone. While treatable with anti-inflammatory medications, gout flares can be very painful, limiting mobility and affecting a person’s overall well-being.

Early Signs And Symptoms of Gout

Symptoms of acute gout include sudden, severe pain that’s often worse at night. Gout usually begins in a single joint in the foot or big toe and can be marked by redness, swelling and tenderness at that joint. Acute flares can come and go, but longstanding gout usually leads to pain at more than one joint.

When to See a Doctor for Arthritis

Once you’re diagnosed with arthritis, it’s important to manage your symptoms and prevent further degeneration and inflammation as much as possible. Dr. Graham recommends making an appointment with your health care provider if your joint pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth around the joint. You should also see your doctor if the discomfort lasts more than two weeks and/or doesn’t improve. Continue to schedule routine visits with your physician to assess your pain level and determine when it’s necessary to see a surgeon or physical therapist. While surgery is available as a last resort, it’s always best to try non-surgical treatments first.

https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/arthritis-symptoms/