Health Beat: How Can You Tell If It’s Arthritis?

By Mark McNease

I’ve had some steady pain in my right arm for a couple years now. At first I attributed it to repetitive motion at my grocery store job, which I just retired from. But the doctor told me two years ago, when I had to be off work for two weeks because I couldn’t lift my arm above my waist, that it was probably arthritis, or a combination of the two. So how do we tell if that persistent pain in a limb or joint is arthritis?

The Signs of Arthritis

If you are over the age of 40 and are starting to notice that your joints feel stiff or painful, there is a chance that you may be developing arthritis. It can be hard to tell if these symptoms are caused by the natural aging process or something more serious, but it’s always advisable to speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following early signs of arthritis:

Joint Pain and Stiffness: One of the most common early signs of arthritis is joint pain and stiffness. You may notice that certain areas, such as your hands or feet, begin to hurt when you move them in certain ways. This pain can also be accompanied by a feeling of tightness or stiffness in the affected area.

Limited Mobility: If your joints become increasingly difficult and painful to move around, it could be a sign that your body is developing arthritis. The limited mobility can range from small issues such as difficulty reaching up high for items in cabinets to larger issues such as difficulty getting out of bed or walking up stairs.

Swelling and Inflammation: If you begin to experience swelling near affected joints, this could also be an indication that your body is fighting off an arthritic infection or condition. The inflammation usually appears around the joints, but can sometimes appear elsewhere on the body too.

Weakness in Muscles: Another common symptom associated with arthritis is weakened muscles near the affected joint(s). This often manifests itself through reduced strength and control when moving those particular limbs or areas of the body – for example not being able to pick up heavier objects due to weak arms/hands.

It’s important to get these early signs checked out by a doctor so they can assess whether there is an arthritic condition present and provide appropriate treatment before it gets worse. If left untreated, arthritis can lead to permanent damage and disability over time; however, it’s important to remember that not all forms of joint pain are related to arthritis – some could simply be down to wear-and-tear from everyday activities like gardening or playing sport – so don’t panic if you start noticing some discomfort!

I’ll wait and see if my own arm pain progresses into something more serious. In the meantime, I’ll accept it as part of the aging process and find a moment or two for gratitude that I’ve lived long enough to experience it.