When you think of your arthritis symptoms, you probably think of joint pain and stiffness, but are you experiencing these symptoms as well?

When you think of your arthritis symptoms, you probably think of joint pain, stiffness, swelling and mobility problems. While these are all classic hallmarks of most types of arthritis, there are many other symptoms that can arise, depending on the type of arthritis you have and your own unique disease progression. Talk with your doctor if you notice anything out of the ordinary - like the symptoms below.

Shortness of breath and chest pain

Pain in your chest and shortness of breath are two symptoms you should never ignore, whether you have arthritis or not. However, your doctor may find that these symptoms are related to your arthritis. If you have rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, among other types, you may be experiencing inflammation of the lining of the lungs or the sac around your heart. While these sound scary, they can be managed. Talk with your doctor about what these types of inflammation may mean for you. Don't be afraid to ask for reassurance if you need it, as these can be upsetting arthritis symptoms.

Red, inflamed eyes

Some types of arthritis can cause swelling and redness in your eyes. This may also hurt, so you should definitely call your doctor to see what can be done. Often, patients find that standard eye drops help relieve pain and discomfort. If your doctor determines that this symptoms is related to your arthritis, it may mean that you need more aggressive treatments.

Dental issues

Inflammatory arthritis sometimes causes dry mouth, which in turn can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. This is something you do not want to manage on top of your arthritis pain and other concerns, so check with your doctor or dentist to see what can be done.

If you notice any symptom that isn't familiar or that concerns you, see your doctor as soon as possible. Calling an after-hours nurse line is often a good choice if this happens when your doctor's office is closed, as the people who staff these numbers can tell you whether it's necessary to seek urgent care or go to the emergency room.

For more on arthritis symptoms:

Exercises to Help Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms
Does Technology Promote Symptoms of Arthritis?
Can Parkour Exercises Help Reduce Arthritis Symptoms in Seniors?