| Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on what | | | | acting unusually clumsy. |
| type you have. It can affect several part of | | | | |
| the body and can be caused by several | | | | Osteoarthritis is the most common form in |
| different factors. Although many of the | | | | older people. It is brought on partly by |
| arthritis symptoms may be similar, there are | | | | long-term everyday use. Depending on which |
| also some differences. Here are a few | | | | part of the body is affected, arthritis |
| examples of arthritis symptoms. | | | | symptoms may vary. Most people |
| | | | withosteoarthritis in their fingers don't |
| Ankylosing spondylitis is arthritis of the | | | | even know about it unless an x-ray reveals |
| joints in the spine. It is also known as | | | | deterioration in the cartilage. The symptoms |
| Marie-Strumpell disease and rheumatoid | | | | are standard with pain and swelling. With |
| spondylitis. This disorder affects multiple | | | | osteoarthritis though, even though the |
| organs such as eyes, heart, lungs, skin, | | | | arthritis never goes away, the pain fades |
| andgastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include: | | | | over time. |
| low back and hip pain and stiffness; | | | | |
| difficulty expanding the chest; pain in neck, | | | | Gout is a form of arthritis where the body |
| shoulders, knees, and ankles; low-grade | | | | has too much uric acid. The symptoms of gout |
| fever; fatigue; weight loss. Initial | | | | are intense pain in the joint (usually the |
| arthritis symptoms are uncommon after the age | | | | big toe). It may also become red, swollen, |
| of 30, although patient may not be diagnosed | | | | and warm to the touch. At times, gout can |
| until after then. | | | | occur in the wrists, ankles, and knees.The |
| | | | symptoms may not come back for several years. |
| Bursitis is another form. Bursitis usually | | | | But if crystals formed by the uric acid are |
| affects the hip, shoulder, and elbow. But it | | | | left untreated, it can destroy part of the |
| can also affect the knee, heel, or base of | | | | bone. |
| big toe. Usually this affects athletes, | | | | |
| golfers, baseball players, or people who are | | | | Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an |
| out of shape and have poor posture. This | | | | overactive immune system. The symptoms |
| symptoms are pain and stiffness in the joint. | | | | usually start out as minor stiffness and |
| Arthritis symptoms become worse when joint | | | | pain. It may come and go, but eventually the |
| is used. The joint may also be swollen and | | | | arthritis systems get worse and more |
| warm to the touch. | | | | frequent. Treatment for this is most |
| | | | effective if caught withinthe first few |
| Juvenile arthritis symptoms are similar to | | | | months. |
| the adult symptoms. There is pain, swelling, | | | | |
| and joint stiffness. Symptoms can come and | | | | If you have some arthritis symptoms, contact |
| go. Young children especially do not | | | | your doctor. Treatments are always more |
| complain about their arthritissymptoms. | | | | effective if they are caught in the early |
| Parents may not notice until they see their | | | | stages. You can also get more information |
| child limping, avoiding physical activity, or | | | | from the Arthritis Foundation. |