Nearly 55 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis — that’s about one out of every four adults. While it may be tempting to brush off your symptoms as a normal part of aging, the fact is that joint disease is never normal — and, what’s more, delaying treatment could lead to worsening symptoms and permanent disability.
Early medical intervention can help relieve symptoms and preserve joint health, slowing the damage caused by arthritis. Of course, getting treatment early depends on knowing what signs to look for.
Our team at Superior Pain Relief helps patients manage arthritis symptoms with customized joint pain care plans. Here, learn about eight signs that could mean it’s time for you to schedule an evaluation to start arthritis pain management.
Joint pain is probably the best-known symptom of arthritis, occurring when inflammation inside the joint causes swelling and pain when the joint moves.
While occasional joint pain might be associated with something benign, like unusually strenuous activity, pain that sticks around can be a definite sign of arthritis. Pain that’s present when you wake in the morning and pain that’s triggered by mild activity can indicate arthritis, too.
It’s not uncommon to feel a little stiff when you first wake up, but if that stiffness persists, it could be a symptom of arthritis. Stiffness tends to be associated with joint inflammation and damage, making early treatment and consistent management critical for preventing further damage.
Swelling is a byproduct of inflammation, a key component of arthritis. As arthritis progresses, swelling may be accompanied by redness or warmth in or around a joint, along with tenderness when you press the area around the joint. Swelling also interferes with normal joint function, contributing to joint stiffness.
You should have any type of pain or stiffness that interferes with your regular activities evaluated, even if those symptoms are very mild.
In fact, seeking medical attention before symptoms become severe is the best way to prevent more severe pain symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Early intervention can go a long way toward preventing mobility problems that could require surgery to correct.
If you’re beginning to avoid going on walks, attending social outings, or even doing household chores due to joint pain, that’s a clear indication that your arthritis is probably getting worse. Movement is important for maintaining joint health, so if your arthritis is preventing activity, it’s time to seek medical care.
While you may relieve mild joint discomfort with over-the-counter medication, if you find that you need to take more medicine over time or if medicine simply stops providing relief, it’s time for a more advanced pain management solution. Physical therapy and other treatments can help reduce your need for medication and avoid the side effects they can cause.
Joints are designed to move smoothly, without sticking, catching, or causing noises. While an occasional pop may not be anything to worry about, if your joints routinely cause clicking, popping, or grating sounds or sensations, it may be a sign of worsening joint damage that requires prompt medical intervention.
Chronic pain can wear you down emotionally. If your joint symptoms are making you feel more anxious, irritable, or even depressed, an arthritis management plan can relieve those feelings by helping you play a more proactive role in managing your discomfort.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to stop the suffering. Getting started with arthritis pain management early can make a significant difference in your long-term comfort and mobility.
To learn how we can help, request an appointment with the team at Superior Pain Relief in Baytown, Willis, and The Woodlands, Texas, today.
