As you get older, it is normal to feel some aches and pains when moving or as you rest. You may experience stiffness, pain, swelling, or aching around the joints. This is a sign of arthritis, a condition used to describe many diseases that affect the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Its symptoms may occur gradually or suddenly, and they may affect the immune system and various organs in your body. Pain from arthritis can interfere with your daily activities; seeking medical assistance ensures that your life quality is improved. Las Vegas arthritis specialists at Battle Born Bone & Joint Center will evaluate your condition and offer treatment to cure the pain.
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What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Symptoms of arthritis include reduced movement and pain in the joints. Others are:
- Stiffness, redness, and burning in the joints
- Persistent pain
- Fatigue
- Fever that is accompanied by pain may indicate arthritis
- Numbness or burning; when tendons are inflamed, the nerves are pressured, causing a tingling or burning feeling
What are reasons I should see the doctor?
- If you experience sudden pain and cannot determine the cause. Pain from strenuous work is normal, but if you develop sudden pain that you do not know how it occurred, you need to see the doctor. Pain from arthritis occurs gradually, and it ranges from dull to sharp pain.
- You experience reduced motion. You may experience stiffness or difficulty moving after being in one position for a prolonged time. It may be a sign of aging, but if you find yourself unable to move naturally and is accompanied by pain that affects your everyday living, you should visit your doctor.
- Frustration. Arthritis is a severe condition and may force you to stay in bed. See your doctor for treatment and further help in handling the situation.
- When the joint turns red or swollen
- When you are feeling pain that does not go away even at rest
- When home remedies have not helped. Normal pain can be remedied using heat, ice therapy, or over-the-counter drugs. But if the pain persists, book an appointment with your doctor.
What causes arthritis?
Causes of arthritis vary depending on the type of the condition. Your joints are made up of cartilage that absorbs shock when you move. When there is a reduction in the cartilage, it leads to certain forms of arthritis.
Wear and tear cause osteoarthritis. When you get an injury, it worsens the normal wear and tear of the cartilages. You have a risk of getting osteoarthritis when your family has a history of the same condition.
Autoimmune diseases cause rheumatoid arthritis. This is when your immune system attacks tissues in your body. As a result, the soft tissue in the joints, called synovium, is affected. Synovium produces a fluid that lubricates the joints.
Arthritis can be managed using prescribed pain relievers and home remedies such as regular exercises, heat, or ice, as well as lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, managing your weight, and avoiding processed foods. If the symptoms persist, seek medical help. It is also essential to regularly visit your doctor for checkups. Early detection of a condition such as arthritis will help you get treatment before it worsens. Also, in case of any changes, keep in touch with your doctor and notify them of any concerns.