what are the signs of arthritis?
452590
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by painful, inflamed joints with morning stiffness (in the morning, the affected joints are difficult to move, and gradually gets a little more flexible through the day).  There is a type that effects children, called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.\n\nIt could be a number of things, including an injury, but if you have inflammation that hasn't gone away (especially if it's worse in the morning - and RA symptoms sometimes get worse in the cold) you should visit your doctor and have them check it out.  They can run some blood tests and evaluate your symptoms to be sure.  Visit a doctor regardless.\n\nIf you do have RA, its best to get treatment ASAP - it can do permanent joint damage.  Good news is that there are some great new meds - I have had excellent luck with Enbrel.\n\nThere are lots of young people with JRA and young adults with RA - I am 23 and was just diagnosed a year ago. But most of os still live very full lives. For more info, please visit http://www.arthritis.org - there are lots of great resources there, including info on symptoms and treatments.  If you do end up having RA, be sure to visit their discussion board for support and more info.\n\nGo visit your doctor ASAP... I hope it's just an injury, but you are wise to think of arthritis!!  Make sure they run the necessary tests.  If it is, God forbid, it is best to catch it early.
432989
As far as osteoarthritis, it is a wear-and tear arthritis that is likely caused by stress on the joints over a period of years (that's why you tend to get it when you are older).\n\nRheumatoid arthritis, however, is an autoimmune disease, and doctors are unsure of its causes.  Some think it may be a reaction to an infection that triggers the overactive immune system to attack the bodies own joints, but there is no way to be sure.  Some blame it on environmental toxins.  There is likely a genetic factor that contributes as well.\n\nCheck out http://www.arthritis.org for information on the over 100 types of arthritis, their symptoms treatments, and possible causes.\n\nPS - No, you don't get arthritis from popping your knuckles (in case that's what you were thinking).\n\nPPS - I'm not sure where onebeeswax got the info, and it could be a present theory for causes of arthritis, but I have done lots of reading on it since I was diagnosed with RA a year ago, and talked with my rheumatologist, and I've never heard of that specific theory.  At best it is a guess, and I would not take that answer as an actual cause for arthritis.  But it is an interesting theory.
920835
I know that there are some blood tests to rule out some reasons for joint pain.  If they have been ruled out, you need to talk to your doctor about other possible causes.  \n\nOne might be a problem in your cervical and lumbar spine.  Its also possible that you have a condition called fibromyalgia.  Arthritis comes to mind as well.  \n\nA pinched nerve can cause a lot of the symptoms your having.  See your doctor.  If he doesn't do anything, get another doctor.  Good luck.
270058
sounds like arthritis . . .I have it myself in most of my joints.  Advil, regular walking, a knee brace and will power.  That's all you can do really.
361122
Regular exercise, healthy diet, don't smoke. I've heard that Thai-Chi can be helpful.\n\nIt can run in the family, but if you take care of your body, it can minimize risk.  \n\nYou must have someone close to you with it, to be concerned so young.  It's a hard thing to deal with.  \n\nGenerally, aching joints, swelling are signs.
482275
(m)\n\nMedication will help reduce pain and inflammation. Although medication can not "cure" your arthritis, it can help you lead an active life again. \nThese are some of the treatments you can try. Your doctor can advise you. You may need to experiment to see which suits you best. \n\nsimple painkillers, eg. paracetamol \nanti-inflammatory drugs eg. ibuprofen (Brufen or Nurofen) \ncreams and gels, useful for small joints like finger joints \nmassage \nwarmth \naromotherapy \nacupuncture \nwax baths \nsteroid injections \njoint replacement operations \nSome people need to have regular treatment. Others only need to have treatment during a flare up of arthritis. \n\nIf your joints are very painful and inflamed, you will need to rest. Medication will help reduce any pain and swelling. Paracetamol is helpful, and is safe for most people to take. However, if you suffer from other medical conditions, or if you take other medication, it is a good idea to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.\nWarming your joints with a warm flannel, hot water bottle, or a warm shower can help with morning stiffness and improve mobility.\n\nAs soon as you can, you need to become mobile and active. Sitting or resting for long periods will make your joints stiff and your muscles weak. Gentle walks and stretching excercises can help. Swimming is an excellent sport, and can help you keep mobile without putting a stress on your joints.\n\nIf you are overweight, you should try very hard to lose weight. \n\nThere is no evidence that special diets are helpful, and you should have a healthy diet which includes fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and dairy products. Some people find taking cod liver oil helpful.\n\nYou may find getting out of a low seat is difficult, and many modern seats are too low and soft. You should choose a comfortably padded, upright chair, with a firm back and arm rests.\nIf you have arthritis of the knees, hips or ankles, wearing cushioned shoes can help. Look for good quality "trainers", or shoes with thick rubber soles. Choose shoes with a good grip, so that you feel secure while walking. If your walking is badly impaired by knee or hip arthritis, a walking stick or walking frame may be very helpful. \n\nIf you have disabling arthritis, there are many gadgets which can make life easier. This equipment can be found in large pharmacies, specialist shops, or from catalogues. An occupational therapist may be able to advise you. \n\nlong handled shoe horns \nspecial tools for putting on socks or stockings \nspecial grips for your keys \nadapted cutlery and beakers \nraised toilet seat \nhand rails in the bathroom or toilet \na special seat in the bath
823043
The bursa, fluid filled sacs that lubricate the joints, breaks and eventually you will lose this protection.  As you age, arthritis will settle into these joints and it won't be fun.
715711
It is a myth that cracking joints causes any form of arthritis.  You might grow an inch, but it is not going to be because you cracked anything.\nBy the way, I guess love you, too.
183087
If you haven't had a clinical diagnosis, don't give up on the possibility that your pain might not be arthritis. My husband had a variety of symptoms, one of which was joint and bone pain. The doctors tested him for rhumatoid, but the results came back negative. It turned out that he had celiac disease. Celiac primarily impacts the digestive system, but advanced cases of the disease get all sorts of autoimmune problems and nutrient deficiencies - one of which is bone and joint pain. Once he quit getting gluten in his diet his pain completely went away. \n\nIf he gets a gluten infraction the pain will return. We had that last summer when they had cookouts at work pretty regularly for several weeks in a row. He was careful to select foods that were gluten free, but he kept getting a reaction each time. Since he could find no initial cause, he figured he just had a mild viral infection. By the end of two weeks he had terrible bone and joint pain. We finally discovered that Kingsford charcoal uses gluten as a binding agent in their bricketts. The cookouts were with Kingsford. Kingsford stated that the gluten would burn up completely and couldn't contaminate the food; however, my husband's body showed them to be wrong. He quite eating the grilled foods and his symptoms subsided in just a few days. We have come arcross several other celiacs since then who said they had the same problem with Kingsford.\n\nSo, if your doctor hasn't difinitively gotten test results that prove arthritis, do a bit of research to see what conditions have this pain as a symptom.\n\nGood luck.
688718
ANything that causes pain especially to the joints is a bad sign of course.  could be arthritis. it could be inflamed due to a lot of reasons,like trauma to your knee.
3165
Degenerative disease is, in fact not a real disease. It is a process of wear and tear that occurs with ageing in virtually all individuals. It is also referred to as osteoarthritis, arthrosis and spinal arthritis. The joint surface may become eroded and the gristle or cartilage that lines the joint is no longer smooth but pitted. This results in pain and inflammation occurring with movement. In addition to this there is a process of thickening in the ligaments around the joints as well, a gradual deformity of the joint itself rather like the end of a stick that has been hit with a mallet. The result is a splaying out of the joint surface and this edge of bone (osteophytes) causes a characteristic appearance with apparent swelling and enlargement of the joint itself. In addition to these changes, the joint may become inflamed with redness heat and swelling with accompanying pain. Typically the inflammation comes on overnight once the joint is rested and gradually wears off as the joint gets moving.
545180
A number of years ago my mother began to take apple cider vinegar for her arthritis. Granted, she had, and still has a mild case. It seemed to help the pain and swelling. She mixed 1 ounce in a glass of water and drank it once a day. As a side effect her skin cleared up. Good Luck!
233734
Arthritis can effect all joints, including the jaw.  Also it can have an effect on the neck.  It depends on what kind of arthritis you are asking about - since osteoarthritis is a wear and tear type of arthritis that most people get when they are older, it usually creates pain in joints such as the knees or fingers.  Rheumatoid arthritis can effect many joints, causing painful inflammation, and can also cause general pain and fatigue.
512939
Yes, it does. For full details, please refer to :\nhttp://www.arthritis.about.com/
342145
I too have RA. Going on 12 years now. I can tell you from experience that going to the doctor on a regular basis is the best thing to keep the RA in check.\n\nFlare-ups can be a nightmare especially when you have more than one going on at a time. I am in pain as I type this now.\n\nWhat makes it worse is having small children, a job, & a bunch of chores sitting there waiting on you! Stress is the worst thing for it!\n\nHere are some things that help to get me thru the hard times...\n*long hot baths\n*800mg of Ibuprofen (as mentioned above for inflamation & pain)\n*for wrists/fingers-braces help to keep from bending the fingers & wrists to much (ouch!)\n*plenty of rest\n*meditation/relaxation/deep breathing\n*a good TNF inhibitor medication prescribed by your doctor (best for prevention of flare-ups)\n\nBTW...Methotrexate & Prednisone are not good for you. Prednisone should only be used in case of severe flare-ups for short periods of time.\n\nThe TNF inhibitors block the tumor necrosis factor that causes symptoms of RA. It is also used for other autoimmune diseases. They are given either intravenously by a doctor or through a shot that you take yourself. I take a shot subcutaneously (just under the skin). If you have health insurance TNF inhibitors are the way to go. They are wonderful. The only reason I am in pain right now is b/c I haven't been back to the rheumatologist in a while & don't have anymore. That is why I stressed GO to the doctor! Don't be dumb like me & let your joints deteriorate anymore than they already have! :)\n\nThe particular drug I was prescribed is Enbrel. Others include Kineret, Remicade, etc. Check it out! You will be glad that you did!\n\nBless you & hope you feel better soon!\n\n:)
784342
You need to go to a  doctor who deals with joint . You could have arthirist or rheumisism. Don't wait to long as it will get worse . Good Luck
1117735
sounds like gout. or maybe monoarthritis.\n\nis the joint hot? can you  move the finger or is it stiff? do you have back pain? any other finger or hand joints problems?\n\nyou need a  ESR  blood test , and an x ray  for now.\nmaybe after that serum uric acid , and aspiration of joint fluid.