With over 100 different forms of arthritis, this leads to many different arthritis symptoms.  Certain arthritis signs can and will lead doctors in the right direction.  Many of the common symptoms are:

pain / tenderness in the joints
joint pain
warmth
inflammation indicated by joint swelling
deformity of the joints
redness and stiffness
range of motion is limited
loss of flexibility in the joint
weight loss and much more…

A doctor may be able to diagnose arthritis symptoms by checking the patient’s medical history, a physical, lab work and even x-rays.  Each arthritis symptom can show itself in different ways.  If you have had joint pain, swelling of the joint or around the joint for more than 2 weeks, you should see your doctor.  They will be able to tell if you are in fact are having an arthritis symptom or something else.

Besides ascertaining arthritis symptoms, it is also necessary to ascertain which type of arthritis one is suffering from in order to get started on the best treatment course. Furthermore, arthritis symptoms may appear and disappear suddenly or slowly over time, and can even take the form of sleeplessness, depression, fatigue as well as muscle aches.

Here are some other arthritis symptoms that you should be aware of:

difficulty functioning at home
difficulty functioning at work
difficulty functioning at play because of joint pain
stiffness in the joints
loss of motion of the joint
hard time climbing stairs
arising from a chair
getting out of bed

An immediate visit to a physician will help start the treatment plan and help in protecting the joints as well as lessen arthritis pain. In fact, arthritis pain may be less debilitating than immobility, which is common to arthritis. Acting promptly, when one notices arthritis symptoms, will lead to protecting the joints as too will avoiding excess stress and use of assistive devices to help with mobility problems.

To determine if you are having arthritis symptoms or not, has the doctor ever told you any of the following:

do you have joint pain
aching
swelling / stiffness in and around the joint over the last year
symptoms present for 30 days
pain in the knee or hip when climbing stairs, walking short distance
daily pain
stiffness in hand joint

There are other ways to rate one’s arthritis symptoms, such as: do you have a hard time dressing, is it difficult to stand up from an armless chair, or when you open a car door to help determine whether you are having arthritis symptoms or not.