Stiff Joints? You May Have The Signs And Symptoms of Arthritis

Of the many arthritis signs and symptoms, the most common is the characteristic inflammation of the body's joints. Classified as a rheumatic disease, arthritis is currently the most common disease in the United States.

The rheumatic disease of arthritis leaves each individual with an illness blueprint of their very own. Arthritis signs and symptoms vary between different factors, treatments, complications and even prognosis. No two patients are the same. However, patients with arthritis are similar because as a whole, their disease tends to impact the joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage and in many cases will affect internal body areas.

Arthritis signs and symptoms include pain and limited functions of joints, joint swelling, joint stiffness, tenderness or pain when touching a joint and warmth and redness in the joint. Arthritis can attack joints in almost any part of the body.

Different forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause changes that you can see and feel. With Osteoarthritis the symptoms can range from stiffness and mild pain that comes and goes with activities like walking, bending or stooping to severe joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can attack almost any joint in the body. Most of the time with rheumatoid arthritis if you have arthritis in a joint on one side of the body the same joint on the other side of the body will be affected.

So here's the bottom line, if you have any arthritis signs and symptoms, you must take the time to pick up the phone and quickly schedule an appointment with your health care provider. Do it now. An early diagnosis of arthritis will give you the best chance at preventing irreversible joint damage and disability.

Once you get a chance to see your physician plan to have a discussion with your doctor about your arthritis signs and symptoms. A complete examination of your joints for inflammation and deformity should also be expected. Your physician may also order specific blood, urine, joint fluid and x-ray tests that can help to lead to an accurate diagnosis of arthritis. Don't worry, some times it may take several visits before your doctor can be absolutely certain of the diagnosis. In most cases, your primary physician will refer you on to a rheumatologist who is better able to offer you more specialized care for arthritis.

The arthritis signs and symptoms must be taken seriously because there is currently no known cure for arthritis. Because there is currently no known cure, you must have early and aggressive treatment in order to minimize your symptoms and the on-going joint destruction of arthritis. Many patients have benefited greatly with early and aggressive treatment and by working closely with your health care provider you too have this opportunity. Looking to keep a hold of that active lifestyle you've always enjoyed? Well, make the call today if you have any arthritis signs and symptoms. Don't make the lousy decision to simply ignore them. Wrong move!

Article Source: http://www.health-fitness-for-all.com

For more important information on arthritis resources visit www.arthritis-life.com where you'll find information on arthritis topics such as arthritis symptoms, arthritis relief & more

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