Early Onset Arthritis: The First Signs and Symptoms

Arthritis is a type of inflammation of the joints that causes pain and cause disability as the condition progresses. Early diagnoses of arthritis is important so you can get treatment and reduce the harmful effects of the condition. Proper treatment may help to reduce the severity and progression of arthritis.

There is no cure for arthritis but early diagnosis and pain management is important, especially for inflammatory types of arthritis. Symptoms of arthritis should be reported to a doctor who can prescribe measure to reduce the effects of the condition.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) about 21.6% (46.4 million people) of the adult population in the United States have been diagnosed with arthritis by a doctor. The number of people affected by this debilitating condition is expected to increase as the population ages.

The word arthritis means joint inflammation. The term is used to describe over 100 rheumatic diseases and condition and affect the joints and the tissue that surrounds the joints. Symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. The other common forms of arthritis include gout, fibromyalgia, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is most common in adults over the age of 65, but the condition can affect people of all ages, including children. Women are afflicted with arthritis more often then men.

1. Early symptoms of arthritis including pain around the joints, stiffness, swelling around the joints and a feeling of warmth around the affected joints.

2. There may be pain or tenderness when light pressure is applied to the area.

3. Stiffness in a joint may be most noticeable upon awakening in the morning or after a period of inactivity.

4. There may be a loss of flexibility in the joint that makes it difficult to move.

5. There may be a grating sensation when using the joint.

6. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, fever, night chills and loss of appetite.

A doctor should be consulted for a diagnoses and treatment recommendation. The doctor may recommend medications to control pain, exercise and physical activity, shoe inserts rest, hot and cold packs, physical therapy and/or a chronic pain class.

Learning to control the symptoms of arthritis at is onset may help to keep the painful condition at bay, delaying it from progressing. Effective pain control can help you to stay active and to keep up with normal activities.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions about a medical condition please see a physician.

Resources:

Center for Disease Control

Mayo Clinic website

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