Many people who experience joint pain often pass it off as a normal sign of aging or as an issue that cannot be fixed. Learning how to recognize common signs of arthritis can help you determine when it’s time to discuss with your doctor. Though research can be help, the ultimate question: “Do I have arthritis?” – can only be answered by your doctor.
Who Is At Risk?
Everyone experiences some form of joint pain during their lives. Older individuals tend to accept joint pain as an unavoidable part of the aging process while younger individuals who experience joint pain, swelling, or stiffness may not consider arthritis as the culprit. The truth is, persons of any age can get arthritis, even children.
Diagnosing Arthritis
Arthritis can start in many ways and is often difficult to recognize. It can be tricky to diagnose because there are more than 100 different types of arthritis and other closely related conditions. Symptoms may begin slowly and mildly, or they can begin suddenly and cause intense pain within only a few hours. Common symptoms include classic joint-related issues such as stiffness and swelling. At other times, symptoms can arise that seem unrelated, such as fatigue or skin rashes. Additionally, early signs are often mistaken as an injury from over-activity.
Preserving Your Joints
It’s important to preserve your joints for lifelong general wellness, quality of life, and maintaining your independence. Even if you have arthritis, there are still a variety of steps you can take to protect your joints from further damage and to prevent ongoing pain. Aside from protecting your joints, an early diagnosis can help prevent internal damage to other organs that can be triggered by certain types of arthritis. Promptly diagnosing and treating arthritis is a vital step to protecting your overall health.
When To Talk To Your Doctor
If you are experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms, do not hesitate to seek out the help of a professional right away. You owe it to your joints and overall health to find out and get on the right track to treatment. If you or a loved one are experiencing any signs of arthritis, don’t wait; call us today to speak with a specialist.
