This is a great question to ask. “Do I have Arthritis?” A lot of people accept painful joints as an expected part of growing old. However, if that pain is caused by arthritis then the sooner it is treated, the less impact it will have on your quality of life. So if this question is on your mind here’s what you need to know.

Types Of Arthritis

There are a lot of different forms of arthritis. The main ones are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. A lot of the symptoms of these different types of arthritis are the same, but the cause is different. There are, in fact, more than 100 different conditions that are types of arthritis.

Symptoms Of Arthritis

The most common symptoms of arthritis are swollen and painful joints. The pain tends to appear gradually. It can increase so slowly that you might not notice how bad it is getting. The pain can vary in sensation. It can range from a dull ache to burning pain. You may also notice that there is redness on the affected joint and it may be hot to the touch.

Some forms of arthritis can come with symptoms that affect the rest of the body, not just the joints. These symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath and fever. These symptoms are common with rheumatoid arthritis.

So, Do I Have Arthritis?

If you have some of the symptoms of arthritis, then you should seek medical advice. It can be hard to identify arthritis, so it is best to see a specialist. A rheumatologist will be best placed to give you a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Please don’t put off making an appointment, as the longer you leave it; the more damage can be done to your joints. Make an appointment with a rheumatologist today.