*हिंदी में पढ़ें: आर्थराइटिस के चेतावनी संकेत: शुरुआती लक्षण जिन्हें नज़रअंदाज़ नहीं करना चाहिए
We tend to dismiss joint discomfort as a natural part of ageing or fatigue. But when this discomfort is persistent, it points to something more serious. Arthritis is a severe condition that develops due to the natural wear and tear of cartilage or joint inflammation over a long time. This condition begins with mild joint discomfort and can gradually impact overall quality of life and your range of mobility.
In this blog, we are going to discuss some of the early warning signs that arthritis exhibits, and why you shouldn’t ignore them.
1. Joint Pain
There are over 100 unique conditions that fall under the umbrella term ‘arthritis’. Different types of arthritis present different symptoms. However, the first sign is typically persistent joint pain (also known as arthralgia).
Initially, the pain may feel like a burning sensation or a dull ache. You might feel this pain most frequently after excessive joint movement. For instance, climbing multiple flights of stairs or gardening in a crouched position for long hours.
While some people report soreness right when they wake up in the morning, others complain of aching joints whenever there are humidity changes or it rains. Ignoring joint pain can lead to an increase in inflammation, which can cause damage to the cartilage. Early detection can help protect your joints from further damage.
2. Stiffness
Another typical warning sign of arthritis is excessive stiffness in joints, which also leads to a reduced range of motion. This stiffness is most commonly felt during the early morning hours or after sitting still for a long period of time.
Initially, it may last only for a few minutes, but it can gradually become a persistent problem that takes hours to dissipate. It can make even simple tasks like opening jars, bending your knees, and turning doorknobs feel like a hassle.
What exactly leads to joint stiffness? Arthritis affects smooth joint movements by causing thickening and inflammation of the joint lining. This leads to reduced flexibility.
Ignoring this sign can lead to a dangerous spike in inflammation. However, if managed promptly through simple stretching exercises and continuous movement throughout the day, you may notice an improvement in stiffness levels.
3. Fatigue
Arthritis is not merely a joint problem but a chronic condition that affects the whole body. Many people may experience unexplained weakness, lethargy, or discomfort before the joint pain even reaches a severe stage. This lack of energy or feeling of exhaustion is owing to inflammation in the joints.
It is crucial to take care of the rest of your body, along with your joints. Remember to stay hydrated, take care of your sleep cycle, and manage stress to tackle fatigue.
4. Clicking or Popping Sounds
When the cartilage becomes damaged, you may notice some popping, clicking, or grinding sounds during movement. This is also known as ‘crepitus’. It is a common sign of arthritis and can affect the joints in your knees, shoulders, or hands.
While a few joint sounds every now and then, is not too concerning, alarmingly frequent or painful popping should not be ignored. Early prevention could help prevent further cartilage damage.
When To Visit a Doctor?
You must visit a trusted orthopaedic doctor as soon as you start noticing these early signs of arthritis. Schedule an appointment at Sohana Hospital and consult some of the best orthopaedic doctors in Chandigarh.
We aim to provide the highest standards of patient care at the most affordable prices, so you can live pain-free and enjoy seamless mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is joint pain always caused by arthritis?
No. Arthritis is not the sole cause of all types of joint pain. Some temporary types of ache may be caused by injury, muscle strain, or overuse.
2. How do I exercise if my joints hurt?
If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, you should not engage in strenuous exercise. What you can do is follow a gentle, low-impact exercise routine that involves slow & careful movements to alleviate symptoms like joint pain & stiffness.
3. How to maintain good joint health?
You can maintain your joint health by consuming a well-balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight.