Arthritis is defined as the inflammation of a joint and its surrounding structure such as tendons, ligaments and the joint cartilage. It is usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness and restricted joint mobility. Arthritis is a terminology that is used to define a number of other musculoskeletal conditions. Hence symptoms of arthritis vary greatly according to the type of arthritis. Some of the common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, fibromyalgia, scleroderma and septic arthritis. Below is a list of their symptoms.
Osteoarthritis
The symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness and inflammation of the joint. There are bony growths around the joint causing stiffness and restricted mobility. The joints more prone to be affected by osteoarthritis are the large weight bearing joints such as hips and the knees. But it is also known to affect the lumbar spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain and swelling of the joints. The attack of rheumatoid arthritis may be preceded by a viral infection. The person suffering from this condition may also experience stiffness of the joints. The stiffness of the joints is worse in the morning. The joints that are usually affected by this condition are the small joints like the joints of the fingers and the toes, and the elbow joint. The joints of both the sides of the body are affected at the same time. The affected individual may also complain of persistent fatigue and weak muscles.
Gout
Gout attacks have a tendency to recur. It might be a several months before gout strikes again. But without proper management, the attacks will become more frequent and more intense over a period of time. Gout attack is usually sudden and it happens overnight. In some cases a gout attack is preceded by a night of binge drinking or an injury. The most common site of gout attack is the big toe. Gout may affect other joints as well like ankles, knees, wrists, fingers and elbows. The joints are swollen, red and inflamed. There is restricted mobility. The person experiences extreme pain that is aggravated by the slightest touch like the touch of bed clothes.
There is intense pain in the joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. This pain can often be described as an aching in the bones. People affected by this condition often report a worn down feeling as if the joints are overworked. In some cases burning pain may be present in the joints.
The pain is associated with stiffness of joints and extreme fatigue. Some people suffering from fibromyalgia may report a tingling sensation or numbness in the arms and the legs. The intense pain and fatigue may lead to difficulty in falling asleep and difficulty in staying asleep for a long time.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
In This type of arthritis the joints of the spine are affected. Symptoms include back pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. People suffering from this condition often complain of difficulty in walking, standing up from a sitting position and back stiffness. The persons suffering from this condition may also have a poor posture as standing upright may be uncomfortable.
Scleroderma
The skin becomes hard due to excessive formation of collagen. The disease affects the joints, blood vessels and skin.
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