Signs of Joint Deterioration You Should Not Ignore

Joint pain is easily dismissed as a normal aspect of aging. Joint degradation may be taking place if you have a noticeably slower walking pace and/or stiff knees. These signs are sometimes subtle (and ignored) or mistaken for everyday clothing. These early indicators of joint fatigue, however, have the potential to progress into chronic disorders that impact numerous facets of mobility and well-being if therapy is not received.

Joint Deterioration Symptoms

1. Joint Swelling

Swelling or puffiness around a joint, especially the hands, knees, or feet, is a warning sign. In arthritis, swelling typically results from inflammation of the joint lining. It’s usually warm and can feel sensitive or even painful.

2. Weakness and Fatigue

The majority of arthritis types, especially autoimmune types like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, cause generalized malaise, weakness, and exhaustion. This is a widespread feeling of fatigue that is not alleviated by rest, not just a question of being exhausted after work.

3. A Tingling or Numbing Sensation

Compression of nearby nerves by inflammatory joints in the hands and wrists can result in tingling, numbness, or a pins-and-needles feeling. This is especially common in rheumatoid arthritis, where hand joints are affected at an early stage.

4. Stiffness, Especially When You Wake Up

When you get up in the morning, do your joints feel tight or lock? Does it take more than half an hour to “warm up” and begin? One common early symptom of inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, is morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes.

5. Fever or Unexplained Weight Loss

People may occasionally have low-grade fever, appetite loss, or inadvertent weight loss, especially in autoimmune forms of arthritis. These general symptoms, which are caused by the body’s continuous inflammation, are typically disregarded until joint pain becomes severe.