Most authors will accept any combination of those signs and symptoms to support diagnosis. Cardinal signs include pain, edema, stiffness, and discoloration. Hyperpathia refers to pain that persists after stimulus has been removed. Allodynia refers to pain with light touch. Movement frequently aggravates pain.
Sufferers describe exacerbations with cold.
Many feel worse when a low-pressure weather front is arriving. Airplane ascent and descent can be painful. Edema is usually one of the earliest findings. Stiffness may occur. Discoloration may vary from intensely erythematous to cyanotic, pale, purple, or gray.