Arthritis is one of my most common causes of joint pain. While there are many types of arthritis, most will start with similar symptoms. Many people think they might have arthritis but do not address it with their doctors. Sometimes, older people assume joint pain is part of the aging process, but you can develop arthritis at younger ages as well. If you suspect that you might have arthritis, here are 5 signs to look out for.
Swollen Joints – The second most common cause of joint swelling is an injury to the joint. If you haven’t had any previous injury, then the swelling that you are experiencing can be caused by arthritis.
Stiffness of Joints – If you feel stiffness in your joints, you can check your joint motion by comparing it to the same joint on the opposite side. Stiffness is typically the worst in the morning or after long periods of sitting in one position.
Deformity of Joints – If enough joint cartilage is worn away, the joint may take on a deformed or angled appearance. This is displayed in hands with crooked fingers or a bow-legged appearance in the knee joints.
Numbness or Tingling – One symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is marked by tingling in the wrist and hands. This will be similar to the feeling of hitting your funny bone (pins and needles). The joint swelling compresses the nerves going into the hands, which can potentially worsen if not properly addressed.
Pain in the big toe – Pain to your big toe can be an attack of gout, which is another common form of arthritis. Gout occurs when uric acid, a natural waste product that circulates in the blood, builds up in body tissue as needle-shaped crystals. This happens either because the body produces too much uric acid or doesn’t dispose of it well through the urine.
If you or a family member may be suffering from arthritis, our Physical Therapists and Chiropractors at Alliance Orthopedics can help aid with your joint pain. Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, but it can be slowed down. Call us for a consultation today!