How to Tell if You’re Getting Arthritis

Accepting that you have a disorder or complication of any kind can be difficult. However, that is always the first step to moving forward, fighting your illness, and finding ways to live life the way you used to. Disorders like arthritis can come on slowly, sometimes not giving you a chance to fully understand what’s going on, but do not let this discourage you from doing something about it — there is much hope. That’s why, today, we’re taking a look at the symptoms and signs of the disorder, so you can help tell if you’re getting arthritis. 

Of course, you should always turn to a qualified physician before moving forward with treatment, but these can be great ways of prepping your doctor’s appointment and giving them a better understanding of what you’ve been going through. First, before we talk about these signs and symptoms, let’s make sure we have complete knowledge of what arthritis is. 

Understanding Arthritis

It’s essential to establish that when we talk about arthritis, we are using it more as an umbrella term. This is because there are dozens of types of arthritis that one may have, making it difficult to differentiate all in one blog post. Thus, here, we’re referring to the disorder more broadly; however, this is not to say that we’re disregarding the specific forms.

Arthritis, as a whole, is an inflammatory disorder that targets joints and muscles, creating severe pain and muscle weakness. Again, different forms of arthritis targets different areas in the body and in unique ways. However, from Opticann’s survey on arthritis symptoms we found arthritis not only affects inflammation in the joints and muscles, but can also impact areas all over the body.

While some people experience arthritis later in life, and effects come on slowly, and over time, this isn’t the case for everybody. Some people experience juvenile arthritis, which is inflammation in the joints of children and teens. So, while the disorder is commonly associated with the elderly, arthritis affects populations of all age groups and backgrounds. 

One last thing that we should note is that, there is currently no treatment for arthritis. However, the symptoms that arthritis brings can be managed in various ways, depending on personal preference. Different treatments can do wonders for those with chronic arthritis, and it is best if the disorder is caught early. This way, you can potentially help slow or at least alleviate the symptoms of this inflammatory complication. 

Now, let’s take a quick look into some of the most common symptoms of arthritis. Then, we’ll let you know how to tell if you’re getting arthritis yourself. 

Primary Arthritis Symptoms

Again, because there are different types of arthritis, symptoms will vary from person to person. However, there are a few generalized symptoms that many of those with arthritis experience. Of course, the most common is muscle and joint pain. 

Because arthritis is an inflammatory disorder, you’re likely going to experience common muscle and joint pain in ways that you may not have previously. Pain like this is the primary sign of arthritis of many types, whether in the hands, feet, knees, lower back, or elsewhere. 

Along with muscle and joint pain, many people with arthritis also experience evident muscle swelling. Wherever your arthritis is most prevalent, there’s a chance you will notice your muscle in that area is a lot more tender than it used to be. You may even be able to tell that it looks larger, more inflamed. This change is because your joint is actually swelling due to arthritis. Joint swelling can happen in one area or a few, depending on your specific arthritis type. 

Swelling and pain are common arthritis symptoms, as well as redness. Keeping an eye out for redness in certain areas also signals excess inflammation, likely making it difficult to move correctly. Even fevers can be signs of certain types of arthritis, so always pay attention to any fluctuation in body temperatures or redness. This could be a significant symptom that you are getting arthritis. 

Though symptoms slightly differ from person to person, it’s most important to pay attention to how your muscles and joints function from day to day. Being in tune with your body and understanding when things feel off can be an effective way of finding out if arthritis could be in your future. From there, you can continue monitoring these symptoms and speak with your primary care physician. 

How to Tell if You’re Getting Arthritis

So, while you know some of the signs and symptoms, it can still be challenging to understand how to tell if you’re getting arthritis. Below, we’ve broken down some of the most prominent ways you can tell you’re getting arthritis, as well as the scenarios you may find yourself in. 

This way, you’re able to not only know the symptoms, but you can do things to stay more conscious about your body’s functioning and reactions. With this, you’re better able to tell if something like arthritis is a potential or if there is a different problem you should address. Here are some of the biggest ways you can tell if you’re getting some form of arthritis. 

Experiencing Fatigue

A good way of telling if you’re getting arthritis is by monitoring general fatigue and tiredness. It’s ubiquitous for those with arthritis to get increasingly more tired or to experience extreme bouts of fatigue. It’s crucial to monitor these dips in motivation and see how frequently it happens and how long it lasts. If you find yourself constantly exhausted despite how much sleep you get or how well you eat, make sure to talk to your doctor.

Keep in mind that this persistent fatigue may also result in depression. The less you have the motivation to keep going physically, the more it will affect you mentally, as well. It’s important to address when you’re feeling this way, rather than just sweeping it under the rug. No one deserves to feel fatigued and depressed constantly. It may be a sign that you’re getting arthritis.  

Muscle & Joint Stiffness

This one may be obvious, but it’s crucial to pay attention to your muscle and joint movement. Do you find yourself feeling a bit stiffer than usual? Are your joints more tender to the touch? Do they look swollen? 

When paying attention to arthritis symptoms, you must pay attention to how your muscles and joints function. This is because these are the primary areas that arthritis affects, so you’ll likely notice changes in these areas more than anything. 

It’s pretty common for those with arthritis to experience this muscle and joint stiffness in the morning. When you first wake up, do a body scan to see how your body is feeling. If you find yourself waking up quite stiff but then slowly gaining a bit more movement over the day, you might want to contact your doctor. Morning stiffness is a common indication of certain types of arthritis. 

Experiencing Numbness or Tingling

While feeling your leg or arm fall asleep and tingle occasionally is totally normal, this should not be an everyday thing. If you experience persistent numbness or tingling in your joints, it might be an early sign of arthritis. This is because the disorder creates such intense inflammation that the nerves are under pressure. The pressure creates either tingling or just numbness altogether. 

Along with numbness or tingling, there’s a chance you might also experience a slight burning sensation. The burning sensation is yet another result of the pressure on the nerves and tends to happen primarily in the hands and feet. Keep an eye out for feelings like these and make notes when they appear. Then, you can let your doctor know.  

Decreased Range of Motion

Finally, you need to pay attention to your everyday range of motion. For those with arthritis, it likely becomes apparent that you’re not able to move in ways that you used to. This doesn’t mean doing full-on sports or yoga, but if your arm doesn’t bend straight the way it once did. The inflammation that arthritis causes can create difficulty for your joints, resulting in a slight deformity. 

As soon as you notice any difference in your range of motion, it’s crucial to get in contact with your doctor. Reduced range of motion is one of the major warning signs of arthritis, and you should not ignore it. Even if your range of motion is only slightly decreased, make note and monitor this change. Sometimes it is permanent, while other times, it can be temporary. Regardless, it is a prominent way of telling if you’re getting some form of arthritis. 

Contacting Your Doctor

At the end of the day, whenever you notice anything happening with your body that’s abnormal, it’s essential to contact your doctor. You never want to put up with symptoms like these, especially when they can lead to something as serious as arthritis. Even if it may not be your favorite conversation, it can be a life-changing one. 

Take the time to sit down with your primary care physician and see what they have to say about your signs and symptoms. Then, you two can go ahead and discover what treatments and solutions are right for you.

Finding the Treatment That’s Right For You

As daunting as arthritis can be, you do have various treatment options that can help you re-discover your old self. 

On top of the regular treatment plan your doctor provides, many people are beginning to turn to CBD for arthritis. CBD is an all-natural substance that’s both accessible and easy to use, making it incredibly appealing for those with arthritis pains. CBD oil for arthritis is rapidly gaining popularity in the medical community, and it can be a great option for those that are interested.

There are various ways to take CBD and methodologies that may work for you. While it is incredibly common to use CBD oil for arthritis, you may also find a CBD lotion for arthritis that you apply directly to points of pain. If you’re wondering, “Is CBD good for arthritis pain?”, then you should try it out for yourself! Many people find relief in utilizing this cannabinoid and the choice to try CBD is entirely yours. 

In general, CBD for arthritis pain is a safe, realistic option for people of ages and all arthritis severities. You just have to find the product that has the perfect dose and consumption methodology — just like any vitamin or medication! 

At the end of the day, it’s crucial to find the arthritis treatment that works best for you and your lifestyle. CBD may be a wonderful answer for some patients, while others may benefit differently. The most important factor is discovering what your body reacts to best. From there, you’ll be able to work towards improving your quality of life and enjoying the body you have — even if it has changed just a bit.