Early Signs of Arthritis You Shouldn’t Ignore

Posted On: September 22, 2025 by Robert Matijevich

Joint pain can be excruciating. It limits your movement and prevents you from living your life to the fullest. It’s too early to panic. The pain may be caused by an injury or fatigue from intense physical exercise. But what if these are early signs of arthritis? Then you need to take immediate action. We’ll tell you how to identify this condition and how to minimize discomfort. Read on to learn more.

The Dangers of Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation and pain in one or more joints. Its main symptoms are pain and stiffness, which often worsen with age. The most common forms of the disease are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
It develops when cartilage—the smooth, elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones and allows them to glide freely within the joint—gradually deteriorates. The initial signs of arthritis can sometimes be confused with sprains, tendonitis, or mild ligament and muscle strains. However, if stiffness and soreness become persistent, and the pain is specifically located in the joint area, this could unfortunately indicate the onset of arthritis. Today, approximately 58.5 million Americans suffer from arthritis. The risk of developing it increases with age. The disease is considered a leading cause of disability, so it is important to recognize the first symptoms as early as possible.

Main Types of Arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. An example is rheumatoid arthritis. The disease typically affects symmetrical joints—for example, both knees or wrists.

Osteoarthritis

By 2021, the number of patients affected by osteoarthritis had reached 607 million, with predictions estimating a rise to 765 million by 2060. It is a more common form of the disease. It is associated with age-related wear and tear or the consequences of injury. It most often affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, lower back, and feet. However, it can also affect the small joints of the fingers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is an autoimmune disease. In this case, the immune system begins to attack the joints themselves, primarily their lining. There are other types of arthritis. For example, excess uric acid in the blood causes crystals to form, which cause gout. Psoriasis or systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as infections, can trigger specific forms of arthritis. The treatment approach depends on the type of disease. However, in any case, the main goals of therapy are to reduce the severity of symptoms and maintain the patient’s quality of life.

8 Early Symptoms of Arthritis

It’s essential to recognize the symptoms of arthritis and consult a doctor promptly.

1. Joint pain first appears after physical activity or toward the end of the day and eventually becomes persistent.

2. Swelling and increased tenderness? This is a bad sign. The joint may be swollen, and touching or pressing on it can cause discomfort.

3. Stiffness, especially in the morning, is a common symptom noted by many arthritis patients. After sleeping or sitting for a long time, it’s difficult to move the joints. Stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes often indicates rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Cracking or grinding sounds are familiar to many. Unfortunately, sounds and a sensation of friction during movement indicate the destruction of cartilage.

5. Decreased mobility is particularly frustrating. Normal activities become more difficult. Bending the knee or turning the wrist can become challenging.

6. Some patients report redness and localized warmth. Inflammation can manifest as skin discoloration and a feeling of warmth in the joint area.

7. Fatigue and general malaise are also common symptoms of arthritis. In inflammatory forms, chronic fatigue, weakness, and sometimes even weight loss are common.

8. Joint deformity is a relatively late symptom. This is when the joint shape changes, and nodules or noticeable curvatures appear. It’s best not to let the condition reach this stage.

Diagnosis

During the examination, the doctor assesses the condition of your joints, checking for signs of swelling, redness, and increased skin temperature. They also check how freely you can move your joints. Your doctor will also recommend lab tests. Analysis of various biological fluids helps determine the type of arthritis. Blood, urine, or joint fluid is used for testing. To obtain a sample from the joint, the specialist cleans and anesthetizes the area, then inserts a needle into the joint cavity and withdraws a small amount of fluid for analysis.

Instrumental examinations can identify changes in the joint that cause symptoms. The most commonly used options are.

• X-ray. Low-dose radiation can reveal bone damage, cartilage loss, or bone growths. In the early stages of arthritis, X-rays can be uninformative; however, they are useful for monitoring the progression of the disease.
• Computerized tomography (CT). This machine takes a series of X-rays from different angles, creating a cross-sectional image. This method allows for the evaluation of not only bones but also surrounding soft tissues.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using radio waves and a powerful magnetic field, MRI creates detailed images of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
• Ultrasound. High-frequency sound waves help visualize soft tissues, cartilage, and fluid-containing structures (such as bursae). Ultrasound is also used for precise needle placement when collecting joint fluid or injecting medications into a joint.

Arthritis Treatments

If you notice one or more symptoms, don’t delay seeing a doctor. Early consultation with a rheumatologist or orthopedist can help slow the progression of the disease and maintain quality of life. The doctor may prescribe examinations, medication, or physical therapy or recommend lifestyle changes such as weight control, moderate physical activity, and a healthy diet.

The main rule: don’t ignore your body’s signals. The earlier arthritis is detected, the greater the chance of avoiding serious complications.

Conclusions

A qualified physician should remember that the same arthritis requires an individualized approach. Arthritis treatment often depends on more than just the type of arthritis. For example, depending on the severity of shoulder arthritis, the treatment approach will vary. Various home remedies and traditional medicine can temporarily alleviate the patient’s condition. However, they will not completely cure it. You need the help of a specialist you trust. Mossy Creek’s mission is to offer high-quality physical therapy services in a warm and friendly atmosphere to residents of Jefferson City and the surrounding areas. Contact us. We will take care of your health. Restore the joy of movement and a pain-free life. We look forward to seeing you!