Symptoms of Arthritis – Part 2

Some symptoms of arthritis are more severe after exercise but more commonly arthritic conditions become more stiff and painful when the individual has been resting for a period of time. This means that first thing in the morning, getting up from the dinner table or after resting in the evening on the couch, stiffness and pain will be greater.

Symptoms also include limited function of the joints that are related to the stiffness and pain.

Arthritis is considered a rheumatic disease which is a nonspecific term for a medical condition which affects the joints and connective tissue. This means that some arthritic conditions will also affect connective tissue in the internal organs as well as the joints. This results in fever, glandular swelling, fatigue, weight loss and abnormalities in the lungs, heart or kidneys.

Many of the arthritic conditions involve the breakdown of cartilage which protects the joints and allows for smooth motion. In some cases it is the result of an auto immune disease in which the body attacks itself. In other conditions it is a general “wear and tear”, infection by bacteria or viruses or the result of a broken bone.

Researchers have identified several risk factors for individuals to develop painful joints which include being overweight, a previously injured joint, use of joints in repetitive action such as baseball players, ballet dancers and construction workers, age and depending upon the condition, gender.

Your physician will include a specific and thorough medical history as well as physical examination, blood tests and imaging studies to differentiate the exact cause of the joint pain. In many cases you will be referred to a rheumatologist who is a doctor specializing in the treatment of connective tissue diseases. This specialist will be able to accurately diagnose your condition and make specific recommendations for your individual case.

Like many other diseases, arthritic conditions respond well to early diagnosis and treatment. Many arthritic conditions are also progressive, which means that they continue to get worse as time goes on. The earlier that a diagnosis and accurate treatment recommendations have been made the better the chance there is for reduced deformity of the joints and improved overall function for the individual.