Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Symptoms of Arthritis

The main symptoms of all forms of arthritis are stiffness, pain, and restricted movements of the joints. Swelling, warmth and redness of the skin over the joint may also occur.

Osteoarthritis begins slowly with pain and stiffness in joints when they are moved, and restricted movement of the joints affected. For some, slight stiffness is all they will experience, but others go on to have grating joints, knobbly bone growths (especially on the hands), and joints that go out of alignment. The pain and loss of movement tends to get worse as the day goes on, as the joints are used more.

Rheumatoid arthritis also begins gradually, with a swollen and painful joint, and may be accompanied by a general feeling of being unwell, such as tiredness. It can progress to pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints, and lack of mobility. It can also spread to other organs such as the eyes, lungs and skin. It is usually worse in the morning, but often improves during the day as the joints are flexed and used.

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