More than 25 million Americans say that they suffer from pain daily. As you get older and your joints start to ache more and more, it’s natural to wonder, “Is this normal or do I have arthritis?”
So, how do you know if your aches and pains are the sign of something serious? You’re in the right place for help.
Keep reading to learn about the most common signs of arthritis so you have a better idea of what your body is trying to tell you.
1. Joint Tenderness
Have you noticed that your joints are tender to the touch? If so, it could be a sign that you’re starting to develop arthritis. This is especially common if you have arthritis in your hands.
When you’re working with your hands, gently touch your knuckles to see if they feel tender, and monitor how they feel based on the different tasks you’re doing.
2. Joint Stiffness
It’s normal to feel stiff as you get older, especially right after waking up or sitting for a long period of time. However, if you notice prolonged periods of stiffness or a loss of range of motion in your joints, it can be an early warning sign of arthritis.
Joint stiffness often happens when you have arthritis in your knee, so pay special attention to the way your legs feel and if you’re unable to run or walk as much as you used to do.
3. Joint Pain
A more serious sign of arthritis is persistent joint pain, even when you’re not doing any physical activity. If you notice ongoing pain in your knees, hips, hands, or feet, it’s best to visit a doctor for an evaluation.
Be sure to look for a medical facility with an on-site laboratory, so they can take a closer look at your body to determine if you do in fact have arthritis. If you do, they’ll be able to give you a treatment plan to help ease the pain.
4. Joint Redness
So far, all of the signs of arthritis we’ve discussed have been based on feeling. However, there may also be a sign that you can see with your eyes.
If you notice the skin around your joints look red, it could be a sign of inflammation as a result of arthritis. For example, one of the early signs of arthritis in the feet is redness around your toe joints. You should visit a doctor if you notice this redness, so they can give you a proper diagnosis.
5. Ongoing Fatigue
Another common sign of arthritis has nothing to do with your joints at all. If you find that you feel very tired, even after getting a full night of sleep, it could be a warning sign from your body.
Joint inflammation can cause persistent fatigue, leaving you feeling tired and unable to do basic tasks in your everyday life. If fatigue lasts more than a day or two, it’s time to talk to your doctor.
Take These Signs of Arthritis Seriously
Now that you’ve read about these common signs of arthritis, start paying more attention to your body. If you notice the symptoms we described above, talk to your doctor about your concerns as soon as possible.
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