Frequent joint discomfort following strenuous exercise is typical, but continuous pain and inflammation warrant further examination.
In today’s sedentary lifestyle where people often adopt poor postures during work, experiencing occasional aches and pains has become commonplace. However, when joint discomfort, swelling, and stiffness become persistent, particularly in the mornings or after extended periods of inactivity, it’s crucial not to dismiss these signs, as they could potentially indicate the presence of arthritis. Each year on October 12, World Arthritis Day serves as a reminder to increase awareness about the various forms of arthritis. Arthritis refers to the inflammation of joints, characterized by stiffness and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, and osteoarthritis, typically affecting individuals in their later years, are among the most common types of arthritis.
According to Dr. Kirthi Paladugu, a Senior Consultant in Joint Replacement, Arthroscopy, and Minimally Invasive Trauma Surgery, “Early symptoms of arthritis often include joint swelling, discomfort, stiffness, and a reduction in the joint’s range of motion. While different forms of arthritis may present slightly varied symptoms, they typically share common indicators, such as joint pain. Arthritis encompasses a vast array of conditions, with over 100 different variations. Joint inflammation is a hallmark of arthritis, frequently causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. While there may not be a cure for arthritis at present, recognizing its signs and symptoms and initiating early treatment can help to alleviate and manage the condition.”
Experiencing occasional joint pain following strenuous physical activities is common and can often be attributed to strain or minor injuries. However, when persistent aches, pain, and stiffness occur, particularly localized around a specific joint, it may be a potential sign of the onset of arthritis. It’s crucial to carefully monitor these symptoms and seek medical evaluation when necessary. Arthritis is not solely limited to the older population, as conditions like Juvenile Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis can also affect younger individuals. Recognizing early signs and symptoms of arthritis is essential, which may include ongoing joint pain, often worse in the morning or after periods of rest, joint stiffness that makes movement challenging, especially after prolonged inactivity, joint inflammation leading to swelling and tenderness, redness and warmth around the affected area, and joint deformities, which can result from untreated or progressive arthritis over time. Ignoring arthritis symptoms is discouraged, and timely diagnosis is recommended to mitigate the severity of the condition. The earlier it is addressed, the faster one can recover, advises Dr. Sohini Sengupta, Medical Laboratory Director at Redcliffe Labs.
Dr. Kirthi outlines some early signs and symptoms of arthritis that individuals should be vigilant about:
1. Joint Pain: This typically involves discomfort in the joints, which can be continuous, intermittent, or triggered by touching the affected area.
2. Joint Swelling and Tenderness: As arthritis progresses, it often leads to swollen and painful joints. The affected joints can become sensitive and painful when pressure is applied.
3. Morning Joint Stiffness: Rheumatoid arthritis, in particular, can cause pronounced joint stiffness, which may result in an inability to make a fist or fully bend the fingers. This stiffness is usually more pronounced in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity. Morning stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis typically lasts longer compared to the morning stiffness in other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.
4. Grinding Sensation or Sound: The sensation or sound of grinding or grating when a joint is moved may indicate cartilage wear and may be a sign of arthritis.
6. Groin Pain: It’s worth noting that hip arthritis can cause pain in the groin area rather than the outside of the hip.
7. Symmetrical Joint Pain: Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the same joints on both sides of the body, such as both wrists and both knees.
8. Hand and Foot Pain or Stiffness: Small joints in the hands, wrists, and ankles are typically the initial areas affected by rheumatoid and other forms of inflammatory arthritis.
Knowing when to consult a doctor for arthritis:
Dr. Kirthi emphasizes that the primary goal following an arthritis diagnosis is symptom management and the prevention of further inflammatory and degenerative processes. It is advisable to seek medical attention when joint pain is accompanied by redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth near the joint. If the discomfort persists or extends beyond two weeks, a doctor’s consultation is warranted.