What does arthritis feel like? (x-rays, pain, soreness, swelling)

[CherryTreee]

I think I have arthritis, but I don't know if the pain I have is actually arthritis. The pain is mainly on my knees and on my hand. The part where it attaches to my fingers. So I'm wondering if this is arthritis.

[Miss Hepburn]

I would say a soreness in the joints.
Later, add stiffness, later swelling, later lack of range of motion.

If the pain/soreness goes away with 2-3 aspirin...it's a sure bet it is
inflammed....remember anything with '-itis' at the end means inflamation.

[Michael Way]

Originally Posted by CherryTreee

I think I have arthritis, but I don't know if the pain I have is actually arthritis. The pain is mainly on my knees and on my hand. The part where it attaches to my fingers. So I'm wondering if this is arthritis.

The best thing to do is to go see your regular doctor who will refer you to a specialist if necessary. There are different kinds of arthritis and the symptoms are different. You might want to take a look at the following links.


HowStuffWorks "What does arthritis feel like?"

What Does Arthritis Feel Like? | eHow

Don't Ignore Symptoms if You Suspect Arthritis

[brokencrayola]

With me my arthritis can be anything from a gnawing ache to pain. I am not sure why sometimes it hurts on a different level than another. I think weather can make a difference, and overuse of the joint, and what activity it is you are doing. I know the arthritis in my knees is worse when climbing stairs. I have to have a handrail to climb stairs or my knees can give out. My low back and hips tend to ache, a deep ache that can linger a long time. Of course doing a lot of bending over makes that worse.

[Emeraldmaiden]

My arthritis pain presents in a couple of different ways. When the weather changes, the joints in my hands and one knee feel like a bad toothache. When I have overused my weight-bearing joints, like my hip, it feels like there are shards of glass inside the joint.

You should see your doctor. X-rays will help the diagnosis.