Could You Have Arthritis? 

Arthritis can affect many different parts of your body, from your wrists to your ankles. But what’s the difference between arthritis and the general stiffness of your joints? Only a healthcare professional can tell you definitively, but if you experience these symptoms, it may be time to speak with your doctor. 

Symptoms of Arthritis 

According to Arthritis.org, there are some common warning signs when it comes to knowing if you are developing or have developed arthritis.

These warning signs include: 

• Pain – The pain you may feel if you suffer from arthritis varies from person to person. You may experience pain when moving or at rest, and this pain may be consistent or come and go with certain movements. Be sure to describe your pain to your doctor in order to receive their professional opinion. 
• Stiffness  –  According to The Arthritis Foundation, prolonged stiffness of the joints is a major sign of arthritis. Those with arthritis may experience stiffness after prolonged periods of resting, such as in the morning when waking, after a long car ride, or when sitting at a desk. If your stiffness lasts longer than an hour, this may be a sign of arthritis. 
• Swelling – Swelling of an affected joint is also common with arthritis. Redness and tenderness may accompany the swelling. If swelling occurs more than three times a month, it may be a good indication that you are experiencing arthritis. 

Generally, any irregular pain when moving or performing certain activities is not normal and maybe a reason to speak with your doctor. 

Different Types of Arthritis

There are several different kinds of arthritis. According to MayoClinic.org, there are two main types of arthritis: 

• Osteoarthritis – a type of arthritis characterized by the stress and strain put on your joints over a prolonged period of time. This type of arthritis overtly affects your cartilage, resulting in a painful bone-on-bone grinding when moving. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis – a type of arthritis where your immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, resulting in the swelling and inflammation of the joints. This second kind of arthritis can also lead to the destruction of cartilage within the joints. 

Treatments for Arthritis 

When it comes to treating arthritis, the goal is to improve the strength and function of your joints while preventing or limiting the amount of pain you feel when using these parts of your body. According to WebMD.com, different types of treatment for arthritis may include: 

• Physical or occupational therapy
• Treating the joints with either a hot or cold compress
• Specialized joint protection such as compression gloves or knee sleeves
• Medications to treat inflammation and slow disease progression
• Drugs or supplements such as those hand-picked by expert Dr. Stephen Smith including Davinci Labs Cartilidge+ and more. 
• And, when the case is severe, corrective surgery

Conclusion 

Only a medical professional can truly tell if you have arthritis, but if any of these symptoms apply to you, it may be time to speak with your doctor. Life with arthritis doesn’t have to be painful. Through specialized treatments and working with your medical practitioner, arthritis doesn’t have to be a pain.