There are many arthritis signs and symptoms.

Arthritis is a disease that is characterized by inflammation of the joints. It is the most common disease in the United States and is classified as a rheumatic disease. This condition means that different individual illnesses with differing factors, treatments, complications and prognosis occurs. They are similar in that they have a tendency to affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage and may affect internal body areas.

Arthritis signs and symptoms include pain and limited functions of joints, joint swelling, joint stiffness, tenderness or pain when touching a joint and warmth and redness in the joint. Arthritis can attack joints in almost any part of the body.

Different forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause changes that you can see and feel. With Osteoarthritis the symptoms can range from stiffness and mild pain that comes and goes with activities like walking, bending or stooping to severe joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can attack almost any joint in the body. Most of the time with rheumatoid arthritis if you have arthritis in a joint on one side of the body the same joint on the other side of the body will be affected.

If you have arthritis signs and symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Diagnosing arthritis early can help to prevent irreversible damage and disability. Your doctor will review your history of arthritis signs and symptoms and examine the joints for inflammation and deformity.

Certain blood, urine, joint fluid and x-ray test may also be ordered to help get an accurate diagnosis of arthritis. It may take several visits before your doctor can be certain of the diagnosis. Your primary physician may refer you to a rheumatologist for more specialized care.

There are several arthritis signs and symptoms and they must be taken seriously. There is no known cure for arthritis. Therefore, the treatment goal for this disease is to minimize the symptoms and on-going destruction of arthritis.

With the proper treatment you can continue to live a happy and active lifestyle.