5 Warning Symptoms of Arthritis & The Need For Orthopedic Consultation

Arthritis is a common yet challenging condition that affects millions of people around the world, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Whether it’s caused by wear and tear on the joints (osteoarthritis) or an autoimmune response (rheumatoid arthritis), the symptoms can significantly impact daily life. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing the condition and leading to a painless life.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the 5 key warning signs of arthritis and highlight the importance of early consultation with an orthopaedic specialist for effective treatment.

1. Chronic Joint Pain

Joint pain that persists or flares up regularly is the hallmark symptom of arthritis. Over time, this pain can worsen, especially if left untreated.

• Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis causes the degeneration of joint cartilage, causing pain in the knees, hips, and thumb joints.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This type is an autoimmune condition where joint pain is symmetrical. If you experience pain in your right wrist, your left wrist may also be affected.

2. Stiffness in Joints

Joint stiffness, especially after waking up or during cold weather, is another common symptom of arthritis. Difficulty in moving your joints, particularly in the morning, can indicate the onset of arthritis. This stiffness can last more than an hour and significantly impact your daily activities. Early intervention can help you manage these symptoms and prevent further joint damage.

3. Swelling Around Joints

Swelling is a typical sign of inflammation that occurs with arthritis. When there is increased fluid around the joints, it leads to swelling. This is particularly common in conditions like:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis (affecting 30% of people with psoriasis)
• Gout (caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood)

4. Redness and Warmth Around Joints

Redness and warmth around the affected joints often accompany swelling. As inflammation increases, the area around the joint may appear red and feel warm to the touch. This is a classic sign of an inflammatory process, commonly seen in rheumatoid arthritis or gout. It’s crucial to seek expert advice from an orthopaedic doctor to determine the exact cause and start appropriate treatment.

5. Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritis may also limit the range of motion in affected joints. For example, you might face difficulties squatting, bending, or jumping if you have knee arthritis. In this case, it makes everyday tasks troublesome. Movements do contribute to restoring the range of motion, but to stop further damaging the joint and gaining your motion back over time, you have to visit an orthopaedic doctor in Pune and get proper care.

Treatment Options for Arthritis

Arthritis treatment aims to control symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, several treatment options are available:

• Hyaluronic Acid Injections: These injections are used to lubricate the joints, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis. The injected hyaluronic acid mimics the natural fluid found in the joints, helping to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance joint function.
• Joint Replacement Surgery: For severe arthritis, when other treatments have not provided relief, joint replacement surgery may be necessary. The damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint, typically made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. This is most commonly performed for the knee, hip, or shoulder joints.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a critical role in managing arthritis by helping improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion. A licensed physical therapist may guide you through exercises and stretches to reduce pain and prevent further joint damage.
• Prescription Medications: Prescription medications for arthritis include stronger pain relievers, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or biologics for rheumatoid arthritis. These medications treat the underlying causes of inflammation and help manage symptoms more effectively.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): The most common NSAIDs used for pain, swelling, and inflammation in arthritis are ibuprofen and naproxen. These are over-the-counter or prescription drugs that help relieve symptoms and make life easy for people suffering from joint pain.
• Osteotomy: In cases of joint degeneration, osteotomy involves surgically reshaping the bones around the joint to relieve pressure and improve function. This procedure is generally performed on the knee and can postpone the need for joint replacement surgery.
• Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from arthritis symptoms. They are particularly effective in treating flare-ups and can be injected directly into the affected joint for rapid pain relief.

Final Words

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can greatly impact your daily life, but with early detection and proper management, its symptoms can be controlled effectively. If you notice any of the warning signs—such as chronic joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, or a decreased range of motion—it’s crucial to seek the guidance of a skilled orthopaedic doctor. Timely intervention can help slow the advancement of the disease, manage symptoms, and improve your quality of life. Don’t let arthritis hold you back—consult with an orthopaedic specialist to explore the most appropriate treatment options for your condition.

Consult the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Pune at Ashraya Hospital Today!

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms of arthritis, don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Visit Ashraya Hospital in Pune for a detailed consultation with our expert orthopaedic team. We are here to help you manage your arthritis effectively using the latest treatments and techniques. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with the best orthopaedic doctor in Pune!