Signs and Symptoms
| Extra-articular features of joint disease |
|---|
| Cutaneous nodules |
| Cutaneous vasculitis lesions |
| Lymphadenopathy |
| Oedema |
| Ocular inflammation |
| Urethritis |
| Tenosynovitis (tendon sheath effusions) |
| Bursitis (swollen bursa) |
| Diarrhea |
| Orogenital ulceration |
Regardless of the type of arthritis, the common symptoms for all arthritis disorders include varied levels of pain, swelling, joint stiffness, and sometimes a constant ache around the joint(s). Arthritic disorders like lupus and rheumatoid can also affect other organs in the body with a variety of symptoms.
- Inability to use the hand or walk
- Malaise and a feeling of tiredness
- Weight loss
- Poor sleep
- Muscle aches and pains
- Tenderness
- Difficulty moving the joint
It is common in advanced arthritis for significant secondary changes to occur. For example, in someone who has limited their physical activity:
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of flexibility
- Decreased aerobic fitness
These changes can also impact on life and social roles, such as community involvement.
Read more about this topic: Arthritis
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