Arthritis Signs and Symptoms

When arthritis symptoms worsen, especially suddenly, the flare can be painful and disruptive. It's important to bring the arthritis flare under control as soon as possible.

Morning stiffness is a common characteristic associated with arthritis. But knowing that about morning stiffness doesn't make it any easier to start your day. Here are some tips to help you deal with morning stiffness.

Morning stiffness is a common symptom associated with arthritis. Are you affected by morning stiffness?

Pannus is proliferation of synovial tissue. Think of pannus as thickened synovium.

Physical limitations are a consequence of arthritis pain and other symptoms. Joint pain, swelling, stiffness and deformities can interfere with your ability to perform usual daily living activites, as well as leisure and work activities. Specifically, what physical limitations are related to arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common types of arthritis. While about 2.1 million people have rheumatoid arthritis, nearly 10 times as many have osteoarthritis. Learn how to differentiate rheumatoid arthritis from osteoarthritis.

Arthritis affects women more than men. This is true for many -- but not all -- types of arthritis. After decades of being on the decline, the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis is rising among women as well. Why are women more affected by arthritis?

Arthritis signs should not be ignored. Consult with a doctor so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Just about everyone has an occasional bout of aches and pains, so it seems normal. But what if those aches and pains start to affect your life and what if they don't go away? When do you think you should consult with a doctor for aches and pains?

Joint stiffness is a common characteristic of arthritis. Joint stiffness can be one of the earliest symptoms of arthritis, a sign that you should see a doctor for a thorough physical examination and diagnostic tests. What causes joint stiffness?

Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are two examples of arthritic conditions that may have systemic effects that affect the whole body. Pericardial effusion is one of the possible systemic effects -- it means there is excess fluid in the sac around the heart.

Malaise is a symptom which is associated with many chronic types of arthritis, as well as other medical conditions. It doesn't sound good, but what exactly is malaise?

Early arthritis symptoms can be vague and confusing. Newly diagnosed arthritis patients quickly learn that early arthritis symptoms are just the first layer of uncovering a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.

Synovitis is a symptom associated with arthritis which causes swelling, redness, and warmth. What is subclinical synovitis and does it require similar treatment?

Entheses are sites of tendinous or ligamentous attachments to the bone. Enthesitis indicates inflammation at the sites.

Osteophytes are also commonly known as bone spurs. Osteophytes develop in deteriorating joints damaged by arthritis.

Degenerative arthritis, also called osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. The joints typically affected by degenerative arthritis include the knees, hips, big toes, fingers and spine.

Have you had persistent joint pain and you don't know the cause? Do you think it may be arthritis? Have you discounted the possibility of it being arthritis because you think arthritis is just an old-person's disease? Take the Arthritis Screening Quiz.

A list of the signs and symptoms leading to a diagnosis of arthritis.

Inflammation is a natural defense of the body to protect against foreign substances or injury, but it can cause problems in certain diseases.

When the first signs and symptoms of arthritis appear, confusion and questions arise. Obtaining a proper diagnosis from a rheumatologist is imperative. Deciding on a treatment plan with the rheumatologist is also a vital step. Then the focus becomes learning how to cope, manage, and best live with chronic arthritis.

Hoarseness or voice change can be related to arthritis.

Some people with arthritis complain of ear problems or hearing loss. Is there a connection between arthritis and hearing loss?

Osteoarthritis is also known as "wear-and-tear" arthritis. It is typically seen as a primary disease in older people but can occur as a secondary condition in younger people. Injury, occupation, excess weight, and genetics are among the factors which cause the cartilage of a joint to wear away. Take our Osteoarthritis Screening Quiz.

People with lupus produce abnormal antibodies in their blood which target tissues within their own body. Lupus is one of the autoimmune diseases. The chronic inflammation which is associated with this condition can affect the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system.

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose. Combinations of symptoms can occur which overlap with other autoimmune diseases. There are symptoms which are considered "defining" of fibromyalgia. There are also symptoms considered "non-defining" but they often occur as part of fibromyalgia syndrome. Take our Fibromyalgia Screening Quiz.

Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and early, aggressive treatment can help prevent joint damage and deformity. A combination of diagnostic tests, physical examination, and x-ray evidence confirms the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Take our screening quiz and if you suspect rheumatoid arthritis, consult a rheumatologist.

Joint effusion is a symptom of arthritis. It is an abnormal buildup of joint fluid.