Arthritis usually causes stiffness, pain, and fatigue. The severity varies from person to person and from day to day. In some people, only a few joints are affected and the impact may be small. In other people, the entire body may be affected. The three main symptoms of arthritis that last more than two weeks are joint pain, joint stiffness or the inability to move the joint normally, and swelling.
Arthritis is usually chronic.
This means it could last on and off for as long as a lifetime. Many things can be done to reduce the impact of arthritis on everyday life. The key is early diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to the needs of each individual. Physicians diagnose arthritis based on the overall pattern of symptoms, medical history, physical examination, x-rays, and laboratory tests. Most treatment programs include a combination of medication, exercise, rest, use of heat and cold, joint protection techniques, and sometimes surgery.