7 Signs of Arthritis You Shouldn’t Ignore
Arthritis can develop gradually, and symptoms vary depending on the type. Some common signs that deserve medical attention include:
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Persistent joint pain — Pain that keeps returning or lasts for weeks, especially with movement or after periods of rest.
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Joint stiffness — Difficulty moving a joint, particularly stiffness that is noticeable in the morning or after sitting still.
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Swelling — A joint that becomes visibly swollen, puffy, or tender.
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Warmth or redness around a joint — These can occur with inflammation and are particularly important when they appear suddenly.
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Reduced range of motion — Trouble bending, straightening, gripping, walking, or performing normal activities.
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Recurring symptoms in several joints — Pain, stiffness, or swelling affecting multiple joints can occur with inflammatory forms of arthritis.
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Fatigue or feeling generally unwell — Some inflammatory arthritides can cause fatigue, weakness, or other symptoms beyond the joints.
Seek prompt medical care if a joint becomes suddenly very painful, hot, red, and swollen—especially if you also have a fever—as this can sometimes indicate an infection or another condition requiring urgent treatment.
Not every joint symptom means arthritis. A clinician can distinguish osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, injuries, and other causes based on your symptoms, examination, and sometimes blood tests or imaging.
