A lot of people don’t get diagnosed with arthritis until the condition has progressed for quite some time. The reason for this is arthritis symptoms can easily be mistaken as normal aches and pains. Most people choose to relieve symptoms on their own until the condition has progressed enough to cause chronic pain.
If you suspect you may have arthritis, it is best to see an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you have a diagnosis and get a treatment plan in place, the more effectively you can slow down the condition’s progression and maintain a good quality of life.
Continuous Aches and Pains in Particular Joints
It’s normal to experience pains and aches after undergoing strenuous exercise or a tiring day on your feet. You’ll most likely feel muscle stiffness after a day or two. However, if the case is still the same even if you don’t do anything physical, it may be caused by arthritis.
This is especially true if your pain symptoms are localized in one or two joints. Arthritis affects joint health and most commonly affects a few joints at a time. It is common for arthritic pain to start in one or two joints and slowly spread to others. The most common places to experience arthritis symptoms are the lower back, knee, shoulder, or hip.
Constant Fatigue
A person with arthritis will most likely feel lethargic and have constant fatigue before any other symptom. This is linked to the increase of inflammation in the body, which causes fatigue and tiredness among other symptoms. Feeling constant fatigue is often ignored, especially for people who live busy lifestyles or those who are older. However, it is an early sign of arthritis that you should look out for.
Reduced Range Of Motion
Should you find yourself experiencing stiffness (particularly in specific joints) after resting for a long time, or if it’s taking longer to get out of bed in the mornings, it could be a sign of arthritis. If you notice you are unable to move a joint as much as before, it could mean you are losing range of motion in the joint.
Pain Does Not Subside With Rest
Another common sign that you should see a doctor for is if your symptoms do not go away with rest. If you get a lot of downtime and yet your symptoms do not subside, it could be a sign that you have arthritis and need treatment.
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon in Michigan
Arthritis is a chronic, lifelong condition, but it is very much manageable with the help of a doctor. At Ahlgren Spine, our doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating a variety of orthopedic conditions, including arthritis. We offer the highest quality conservative and surgical treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to help you recover your range of motion and improve your quality of life.
You may visit us at our locations in Bad Axe, Rochester Hills, and Lapeer, Michigan. You may also call us at (248) 215-8080 or request an appointment online.
