7 Early Signs Of Arthritis You Shouldn’t Ignore

According to Dr L. Tomar, Principal Director - Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, “Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting people worldwide, yet it often begins silently. Many individuals attribute its early symptoms to age, fatigue, or minor injuries, delaying diagnosis and treatment.” However, identifying arthritis early can make a significant difference in preventing joint damage and maintaining mobility.     Here are seven early signs of arthritis you should never ignore.

7 Early Signs Of Arthritis You Shouldn’t Ignore

1. Persistent Joint Pain

Pain is usually the first and most common symptom. It may begin as a dull ache after activity or appear in specific joints such as the knees, fingers, hips, or spine. Unlike muscle soreness, arthritis pain tends to persist or worsen over time and may even occur at rest or during the night. If your joint pain lasts longer than a few weeks, it deserves medical attention.

2. Morning Stiffness

Difficulty moving your joints upon waking up, which gradually improves after some time, is a hallmark of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. While mild stiffness can occur with ageing, stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes each morning can indicate early arthritis.

3. Swelling Around the Joints

Inflammation in arthritis leads to fluid accumulation and thickening of the joint lining. This results in noticeable swelling, tenderness, and warmth over the affected area. In some forms, like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, swelling may come and go, often worsening after physical activity or during flare-ups.

4. Reduced Range of Motion

Arthritis gradually affects the flexibility and mobility of joints. You might find it difficult to fully bend your knees, grip objects, or turn your head comfortably. Early stiffness and loss of motion are warning signs that joint structures, including cartilage and soft tissues, may already be under stress.

5. Unexplained Fatigue

Chronic fatigue, even without significant physical exertion, can accompany inflammatory arthritis. The body’s immune response and the ongoing inflammation consume energy, leading to persistent tiredness. If fatigue is paired with joint pain or stiffness, it warrants an evaluation for arthritis.

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6. Clicking or Grinding Sensation

A feeling of crepitus, clicking, cracking, or grinding when moving a joint may indicate cartilage wear, as seen in osteoarthritis. While occasional joint noises are common, frequent grinding with pain or stiffness should not be dismissed as “normal ageing.”

7. Warmth and Redness

“Inflamed joints may feel warm to the touch and appear reddish. This is a result of increased blood flow due to inflammation. These visible changes are particularly common in active inflammatory arthritis and signal that the immune system is attacking the joint tissues,” as per Dr L. Tomar.

Early diagnosis and management can significantly slow down arthritis progression. If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for more than two weeks, consult a rheumatologist or orthopaedic specialist. Modern medicine offers effective medications, lifestyle guidance, and physiotherapy that can preserve joint health and function.

Image credits: Freepik

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