There are over different types of arthritis. Because there are
so many different types, it can be rather difficult to
determine which type a patients has. By knowing the patients
symptoms it makes diagnosing their type of arthritis much
easier.
Typical Symptoms
Arthritis is synonymous with the term joint inflammation,
which occurs when you have arthritis. Amazingly, some forms
of arthritis can actually affect body’s organs and can cause
death.
Arthritis symptoms in the early stages are somewhat
difficult to determine. Many times slight pain and being
more tired that usual may go along with joint pain that
comes and goes. Direct joint pain, warmth around the joints,
redness, swelling and tenderness around the joints and
limited range of motion in the joints are found more in the
later stages.
It is important to recognize the changes and keep track of
them so your doctor can give you a definite diagnosis. The
patients medical history also plays an important role in
diagnosing the type of arthritis they may have.
A physical evaluation of a patient that is experiencing
arthritis symptoms is performed which includes range of
motion tests to see if is limited as well as an examination
of the person’s joints to see if they are warm, swollen or
red. A multiple of questions will also be asked to help see
a better picture of the patient. These questions are
necessary because arthritis symptoms are sometimes not
obvious to the patient.
There are several major forms of arthritis. Two of the most
popular are Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
Obviously, knowing the person’s the symptoms plays a huge
role in determining which form of arthritis the patient has.
Rheumatoid Arthritis has some of the most thought of
arthritis symptoms. They are: extreme fatigue, severe
morning stiffness and swollen and painful small bones of the
hands and feet.
If the person experiences more of a constant pain in a
specific joint is most likely experiencing Osteoarthritis.
If the person is experiencing pain after continued use of
the joint or if the pain is more common later in the day it
also could be an indication of a form of Osteoarthritis.
The arthritis symptoms associated with Psoriatic arthritis
include, red, patchy and scaly skin and swollen joints.
Psoriatic Arthritis has an impact on both joints and skin
areas.
Anklosing spondylitis yet another form of arthritis with
symptoms being severe lower back pain that will progress up
the spine and into the ribs. This form of arthritis is very
painful and begins with chronic lower back pain.
By becoming educated in the various symptoms of the
different types of arthritis you can seek the proper
treatment.
This article was bought to you by Arthritis and You.