There are many different types of arthritis and each one that develops, as well as the cause, will offer different arthritis symptoms, and a trip to the doctor for appropriate diagnosis may be necessary. Some forms of arthritis will offer similar symptoms, but if a person become afflicted by what is commonly called infectious arthritis, it is important they receive proper care for the infection to eliminate the arthritis symptoms they suffer. The most common form is osteoarthritis, which can be caused by trauma, infection or age and treatment methods can vary based on the individual.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints, or more accurately the cartilage in the joint that serves as a cushion. As the cartilage slowly disappears over time, the arthritis symptoms often include pain in the affected joints as well as stiffness. Another form, rheumatoid arthritis often offers similar stiffness, especially in the mornings, but the stiffness will often disappear the longer the person is up and moving.

While pain in the joints is one of the better known arthritis symptoms, the appropriate treatment can only be offered once it is determined the type of arthritis with which the patient suffers. Often x-rays can reveal the loss of cartilage and, depending on the severity of the loss, may require injections to help provide the joint cushion needed to provide relief.

Arthritis Diagnosis Requires Accurate Testing

When the pain and swelling in the joints fails to lessen throughout the day, it could be one of the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. When the patient first visits the doctor and it is suspected they are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, a blood test may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis, to detect any infection in the cartilage. While similar to other arthritis symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis can be crippling and disabling for sufferers to enjoy a normal lifestyle without appropriate treatment.

There are also many misconceptions about arthritis, chief among them is that the arthritis symptoms will be apparent every day. It is possible for many sufferers to be free of the arthritis symptoms on some days and hard hit on others. This can make it difficult for those working with arthritis sufferers to understand the full extent of this medical condition.

Additionally, many younger people who offer arthritis symptoms are often overlooked as the disease is too often considered a disease of the elderly. While common among older people, arthritis symptoms can appear at any age, and the sooner a person receives an accurate diagnosis the sooner treatment can begin.