There are more than 150 types of arthritis, with two of the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. You’re most likely to start seeing arthritis symptoms after age 65, but arthritis can develop in people of any age. Women and people who are overweight have a higher risk of developing arthritis.
If you suspect your symptoms could be related to arthritis, get in touch with the team at the Orthopedic Center of Arlington this summer. Under the leadership of Dr. Bruce Prager, we diagnose and treat new and existing patients with arthritis from around the Arlington, Texas, area.
Here are some of the most common signs of arthritis that Dr. Prager sees in his patients.
The most basic symptom of multiple types of arthritis, inflammation, is also what gives the condition its name. The term “arthritis” literally refers to inflammation, typically appearing in a joint.
Inflammation is a natural response to physical trauma. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation can occur due to an autoimmune response, causing your immune system to attack healthy joints.
The joints around your body rely on cartilage to pad and cushion moving bones. Arthritis-related inflammation starts to damage your cartilage, causing symptoms of pain. In the early stages of arthritis, pain is related to inflammation. Later, you can begin to suffer pain because of your bones grinding directly against each other without the padding of healthy cartilage.
Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, particularly affects your cartilage.
In addition to pain and tenderness, inflammation related to arthritis can cause swelling around affected joints. You might also notice redness or heat in the skin around affected joints or even see skin changes like rashes due to arthritis. If these symptoms continue for more than two weeks, you should get checked out for potential arthritis.
When rheumatoid arthritis or other types of arthritis cause your body to attack your joints, the function becomes compromised. Affected joints stiffen up. You might especially notice symptoms of stiffness in the early morning. Arthritis-related stiffness can seriously impede your mobility by limiting the range of motion in affected joints.
If you notice any of these symptoms continuing for more than two weeks, get in touch with the team at the Orthopedic Center of Arlington. We conduct a thorough physical exam, look at your personal and family medical history, and use imaging tests like X-rays to confirm your arthritis diagnosis.
While arthritis is a chronic condition that can’t be cured, early detection and the right treatment plan can limit the disease’s progression and find relief from troublesome symptoms.
No matter the type of arthritis you’re dealing with, Dr. Prager can help address your symptoms and maintain or improve your quality of life. You can schedule an appointment at the Orthopedic Center of Arlington online or call now to book.
