It is normal to experience joint pain from time to time, particularly if you lead an active lifestyle. However, if you start experiencing pain, swelling, or stiffness in a joint on a regular basis, this could be a sign of arthritis and may require further investigation.
Arthritis is a common condition associated with pain, stiffness, and inflammation within a joint. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and it can affect one or multiple joints. The condition can occur for many reasons, including age-related wear and tear, an autoimmune disease, trauma, or an inflammatory disease. Although symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time, certain types of arthritis can suddenly appear. Arthritis primarily affects bones and joints but certain types of the disease can affect other parts of the body, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and some internal organs.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis which causes the protective cartilage covering the end of the bones — to gradually break down and wear away. It can be caused by a joint injury, age-related wear and tear, family history, obesity, and other medical conditions.
Cartilage is the elastic, shock absorbing material that provides a smooth padded surface allowing the bones in our joints to glide easily during motion. When the cartilage thins and becomes rough, ligaments and tendons are forced to work harder which can cause swelling around the joint and the formation of bone spurs. Loss of the protective cartilage lining can cause painful bone on bone rubbing, altering the shape of the joint and forcing bones out of their usual position, leading to reduced mobility and range of motion.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the hands, wrists, and feet. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes the body’s immune system to target joints, leading to pain, swelling and loss of function. Rheumatoid arthritis initially affects the protective covering (synovium) of joints but gradually causes the cartilage, bones and tissues to deteriorate also. Swelling in the joint can cause the tendons and ligaments to stretch, leading to joint malalignment and deformity.
Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to problems with other tissues and organs in the body causing symptoms such as dry eyes and chest pains if those areas are affected by inflammation. It can also cause more generalized symptoms such as tiredness, a high temperature, sweating, a loss of appetite, and weight loss. It is one of the most severe and disabling types of arthritis.
Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type, but if you start to notice the following common symptoms on a regular basis, you should see your doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Swelling, heat or redness around a joint. Noticeable swelling, or if the area feels unusually warm or tender to the touch, can indicate inflammation around the joint.
Joint stiffness can be an early sign of arthritis. Although, as we get older, it is not unusual to feel stiff, particularly in the morning or following strenuous exercise, joint stiffness should ease once moving in the morning and shouldn’t last longer than about half an hour.
Finding day to day activities difficult. Arthritis can cause weakness, restricted movement and loss of function in joints which may prevent you from carrying out normal day to day activities or make simple tasks much more difficult. Arthritis in the hands can cause pain or loss of strength when pinching or gripping, making some routine tasks such as opening a jar or turning a key painful or difficult.
Joint pain during the night. Joint pain can go unnoticed during the day when moving around and carrying out normal activities, but arthritis pain can become worse during the night. If you are noticing pain at night, or finding that your sleep is being severely disrupted as a result of joint pain, talk to your doctor.
Arthritis Care in Maryland
If you have symptoms of arthritis in your upper extremities including the wrist, hand, elbow, and shoulder, turn to the experts at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder. Our orthopedic surgeons have advanced training and extensive experience in the delicate procedures required to relieve pain and to preserve or restore normal function. To find out more about the services we offer or to book a consultation, call us at (410) 296-6232 or request an appointment online at one of our Greater Chesapeake locations.
