A certain degree of joint pain is normal, especially if you are an active person, who is exercising on regular basis. However, when this pain turns into chronic pain, you should take it seriously and find out if it’s the onset of a more serious condition, like arthritis.
Arthritis can impair daily functioning, as the joints become inflamed and painful, restricting your mobility. If it is left untreated for a long time, arthritis can prevent you from having a normal life, you want to make sure you spot the earliest signs of this condition and address them right away, by consulting a Regenerative Therapist.
By listening to your body you can pick up the signs of inflammation right away and protect your joints from further damage. Here are the signs to be aware of.
Stiffness and swelling in your joints
Stiffness due to arthritis is due to the inflammation of the joint and is worse in the morning. As you begin to move, your joints will loosen up and the stiffness will fade out, but it will return the next morning.
The inflammation leads to a response from the body, which tries to treat the problem. This usually leads to swelling, as fluid builds up in your joints. Swelling is a strong sign of arthritis, so when you notice stiffness, pain and swelling in your joints, you should consult a doctor. As the body tries to fight the inflammation you might get fever from it.
Joint pain
If you notice you begin to have a deep, dull pain in your joints, it might be a sign of arthritis. This type of pain grows in intensity over time, being worse early in the morning and fading out during the day. However, if you do intense physical activity, the pain is likely to return, most of the times more severe.
Abnormal sounds
Your joints shouldn’t make any noise during movement, but when they do, it can be a sign of arthritis. When the cartilage in your joints is damaged, you will notice a wide range of sounds when you move. These can feel like grinding bones, which also leads to an intense pain.
The swollen, painful arthritic joints are tender to touch, especially the hand joints, knees and ankles.
Low energy levels
The stiffness and the swelling in your joints can be accompanied by redness and hotness. As you experience all these symptoms, you might begin to feel tired. Low energy levels and weakness in your joints are signs of arthritis. You will feel drained because your body is trying to fight the illness, which leaves you with lower resources for daily living.
Many people try to alter their position or their movements when they experience pain, which can lead to abnormal bone or tissue changes. Instead of trying to live with the pain, if you notice the signs above make an appointment with a doctor, who can direct you on the next steps for a pain-free life.