As with many disease states, identifying arthritis early can help avert unnecessary and often debilitating damage to the body. Arthritis is a chronic, degenerative condition. While there is no definitive cure available at this time, those affected by arthritis have numerous options for treatment to help manage, reduce, and sometimes even resolve symptoms. The first step towards finding relief from your arthritis symptoms is obtaining the proper diagnosis.
Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are many different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being among the most recognized. Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent forms of arthritis in the U.S. and is often referred to as the “wear and tear” arthritis. Osteoarthritis is often a result of overuse of certain joints, including the hips, knees, lower back, and even the shoulders. Rheumatoid arthritis is less common but can be even more destructive as the body’s immune system attacks its joint tissue, leading to damage. Rheumatoid arthritis can impact many joints throughout the body at once but can typically be found early in the smaller joints, such as the fingers.
Early Signs of Arthritis
Early symptoms of arthritis may vary depending on the type of arthritis. In its early stages, the most prevalent indicator of osteoarthritis is persistent joint pain that doesn’t seem to go away. In some cases, your joints may be stiff or swollen as well. Pain that doesn’t seem to be coming directly from a joint could still be a sign of osteoarthritis. For example, many experience pain in the groin region, thighs, and buttocks due to hip arthritis. Unfortunately, pain from joints can radiate to other areas.
Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune systemic condition, early signs may look different from other forms of arthritis. Some common early signs of RA include diffuse stiffness, pain, swelling in the joints, and significant fatigue.
Why Catch Arthritis Early?
The earlier arthritis is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. With prompt treatment, many individuals find complete or near complete resolution of their symptoms. Left unaddressed, arthritis can cause unnecessary discomfort, pain, and further degeneration of the body’s joints. In extreme cases, unmanaged arthritis can lead to immobilization and other health problems.
In its early stages, arthritis treatment may also look less intense. Symptoms that could be resolved or reduced with physical therapy, exercise, weight loss, or other lifestyle management might eventually require more invasive interventions such as surgery. Starting the Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs for rheumatoid arthritis at an early stage can be essential to prevent long term joint destruction. Unfortunately, repairing already damaged joint tissue is challenging, which makes catching arthritis before too much damage occurs all the more critical.
“Arthritis pain is not a life sentence. You can make the pain better,” said board certified family medicine physician, Jennifer Ware, MD of TPMG Hidenwood Family Medicine. With numerous treatment options available, potential symptom relief is achievable. Talk to a qualified medical professional sooner rather than later to help restore your mobility and function and enhance your quality of life.
Pain Is Not Normal
Joint pain that impacts your daily functioning is not normal and could be a sign of arthritis. Don’t let pain go unaddressed. In many cases, pain might feel like a life sentence but there is hope. With continuous research unveiling advancements in the treatment and symptom management of arthritis, you can find solutions to your joint pain. Contact a trusted TPMG medical provider today if you experience joint pain or swelling to get on the right track toward feeling and functioning better.
About Jennifer Ware, MD
Jennifer Ware, MD is a board certified family medicine physician with TPMG Hidenwood Family Medicine in Newport News. As a former division I collegiate gymnast, Dr. Ware leverages her experience as an athlete as well as her medical training to promote healthy lifestyles. Through fitness and dietary recommendations, she equips patients with the tools they need to improve and even prevent chronic disease.
