Arthritis can present various types of symptoms depending on the type. The most common symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, joint stiffness, inflammation, and warmth and redness in the surrounding skin area. Arthritis is classified as a debilitating disease which is generally a chronic condition. The symptoms can occur for an extended period of time, if not during a person’s lifetime. Generally affecting people over the age of 30, the various types of arthritis include ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis are also classified as an autoimmune disorder, causing inflammation in the joints. These two types of arthritis commonly affect the joint areas, causing chronic pain. Ankylosing spondylitisis also referred to as Marie-Strumpell disease and/or rheumatoid spondylitis presents similar conditions as rheumatoid arthritis. This type of arthritis also affects the joint, but normally diagnosed in the spinal region with pain, inflammation, and stiffness radiating to nerves causing symptoms in the extremities.
Exhibiting similar arthritis symptoms as rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis is commonly diagnosed in athletes and affects the hip, shoulder, and elbow area. It has also been located in the knee, heel, and base of big toe. Most common in the elderly population, osteoarthritis affects various parts of the body due to a decrease in bone density. Gout is caused by an increased formation of uric acid in the system which causes crystal formation. If left untreated, the crystals can cause damage to the bone.
Diagnosing arthritis can become a daunting task. Arthritic symptoms can masquerade as various symptoms not common with arthritis. The common warning signs of arthritis include morning stiffness lasting for 30 minutes or longer, constant joint pain and/or tenderness – this type of joint pain can also be intermittent, abnormal movement capabilities in joints, weight loss, fever, fatigue, and chronic joint pain. If these symptoms persist, a physician will perform a complete physical examination and may also suggest X-rays.
Other diagnostic tools to aid in diagnosing arthritis include blood tests – used for rheumatoid arthritis, synovial fluid test through knee aspiration, and arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is not a common procedure performed, but can help to diagnose damage to the cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. During the arthroscopy procedure, damage can be repaired if required.
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