Recognizing the Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms are complicated and varied, but this checklist can help you and your doctor figure out what’s going on.
Stiffness
long they feel stiff will help your doctor determine what type of arthritis you have. When do you
feel most stiff?
- In the morning (how long does it last?)
- Following exercise
- After you’ve been sitting for a while
- After exercising
Swelling
Location of Pain and Stiffness
pain. Different types of arthritis affect different joints or in different patterns (both sides of the body or mostly on one side, for example).
- Fingers
- Hands
- Wrists
- Elbows
- Knees
- Ankles
- Feet
- Shoulders
- Hips
- Jaw
- Lower back
Nature of Joint Symptoms
arthritis or another condition. you have these joint symptoms?
- Stiffness
- Pain
- Warmth
- Redness
- Joint swelling that lasts for more than three days
- Joint swelling that occurs more than three times a month
- Difficulty moving a joint
Other Symptoms
look for or ask you about these symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Scaly, itchy skin
- Changes to finger and toe nails
- Rashes
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Hair loss in spots or around the hairline
Before visiting the doctor, keep track of your symptoms for a few weeks, noting what is swollen
and stiff, when, for how long and what helps ease the symptoms. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the next step so you can begin a treatment plan that will protect your mobility and quality of life.
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