Medical Encyclopedia
Among the most common symptoms of arthritis are pain, stiffness, or locking of the joints, swelling, weakness, or difficulty moving, and fatigue, often resulting in emotional swings, such as anxiety or depression. Pain is the most common of these symptoms.
The kind of joint stiffness experienced by patients can help differentiate between different arthritic conditions. In osteoarthritis, patients may experience a gelling phenomenon which is a short-lived stiffness after periods of joint inactivity. This stiffness is relieved by exercising the affected joint inactivity. This stiffness is relieved by exercising the affected joint. In contrast the stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis is prolonged.
The number and type of joints affected can also vary with different forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually involves one, or only a few, joints. It is asymmetric, in that it usually does not affect the same joint on both sides of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to be polyarticular, effecting three or more joints. In addition joint involvement tends to be symmetrical.
The specific joints affected by the disease also provide an important clue. In osteoarthritis, the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and the joint at the base of the thumb are frequently affected, while in rheumatoid arthritis, the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, and wrist are frequently affected.
Other signs and symptoms that may be associated with arthritis include swelling, inflammation, and a reduction in the range of motion of a joint. Patients may also experience a sensation of joint instability and /opr a dry. cracking sound or sensation from within the joint.
In advance disease, there is often evidence of destruction of cartilage, bone, and soft tissues of the joint. This can lead to functional impairment, which may be very disabling to the patient.
In addition to the physical symptoms attributable to joint involvement, patients may experience fatigue and mental depression. Thus, a number of psychosocial issues are as important as the treatment of physical symptoms in patients with arthritis.
Summary Point:
Among the most common symptoms of arthritis are pain, stiffness, or locking of the joints, swelling, weakness, or difficulty moving, and fatigue, often resulting in emotional swings, such as anxiety or depression. Pain is the most common of these symptoms.
The kind of joint stiffness experienced by patients can help differentiate between different arthritic conditions. In osteoarthritis, patients may experience a gelling phenomenon which is a short-lived stiffness after periods of joint inactivity. This stiffness is relieved by exercising the affected joint inactivity. This stiffness is relieved by exercising the affected joint. In contrast the stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis is prolonged.
The number and type of joints affected can also vary with different forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually involves one, or only a few, joints. It is asymmetric, in that it usually does not affect the same joint on both sides of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to be polyarticular, effecting three or more joints. In addition joint involvement tends to be symmetrical.
The specific joints affected by the disease also provide an important clue. In osteoarthritis, the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and the joint at the base of the thumb are frequently affected, while in rheumatoid arthritis, the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, and wrist are frequently affected.
Other signs and symptoms that may be associated with arthritis include swelling, inflammation, and a reduction in the range of motion of a joint. Patients may also experience a sensation of joint instability and /opr a dry. cracking sound or sensation from within the joint.
In advance disease, there is often evidence of destruction of cartilage, bone, and soft tissues of the joint. This can lead to functional impairment, which may be very disabling to the patient.
In addition to the physical symptoms attributable to joint involvement, patients may experience fatigue and mental depression. Thus, a number of psychosocial issues are as important as the treatment of physical symptoms in patients with arthritis.
Summary Point:
- The most common symptoms of rheumatic diseases are pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness, difficulty moving joints, fatigue, and emotional swings.
- Pain is the most frequently reported symptom of arthritis.
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