Living everyday with arthritis, you’ve probably understand when to wait out pain and when to call the doctor about it. But what if you notice something completely different – shortness of breath, a slightest bump leaves a big bruise or losing weight without trying? What may seem like a minor medical problem could be a warn:ing sign. Here are 7 signs you should never neglect – and when to visit to your doctor about them.
1. Joint Pain
Early signs of arthritis can display as pain in one or more joints that gradually gets worse over time. The pain may occur during bouts of physical activity, or at the start or end of the day.
Rheumatoid arthritis may display a little different. “In medical studies, early RA sufferers said that the pain could be ‘vague’ or ‘mild’,” says Dr Lee. This has been supposed as being ‘like a light switch’ – once the switch had been flicked the pain was insufferable. Some have said they thought they had ‘chipped or broken a bone,’ because the pain was so bad.
2. Joint swelling and tenderness
Swelling may feel warm, the area might look aroused, and it could be supple – which is where an affected area hurts if you press down on it. This is a warning symptom of various forms of arthritis, but it is particularly indicative of rheumatoid arthritis.
