If you have been experiencing ongoing pain or stiffness, it’s natural to wonder about the cause. Is it something simple like a muscle strain or could it be a sign that you’re developing arthritis?
In this article, we’ll look at the common symptoms of arthritis, along with other possible causes of joint pain. Of course, this is no substitute for a proper diagnosis, so if you are concerned about your symptoms we highly recommend making an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist. They can talk to you about your individual symptoms and carry out a physical examination. They may also send you for diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans to assess the affected joint. Once you have a definitive diagnosis, you will be able to discuss a course of treatment to help you manage your symptoms.
What is arthritis?
First things first, what is arthritis? Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. There are actually more than 100 different forms of arthritis and related conditions. However, most people, when they use the term ‘arthritis’ are referring to osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of the disease.
Osteoarthritis affects the bones of the joint and the connective tissues that hold the joint together. It causes inflammation which damages the cartilage that lines the joint. Bone spurs can develop within the joint, leading to pain and loss of movement.
Osteoarthritis can be associated with post-traumatic injuries, such as fractures or a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), or it can be linked to wear and tear from doing physically demanding activities. Being overweight, lack of exercise and poor nutrition can also contribute to Osteoarthritis. The condition is more common in older people, however it is not an inevitable consequence of ageing. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy balanced diet and staying active can all help to reduce the risks of developing the disease.
Other forms of arthritis include Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is the most common type of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. This occurs when the body’s own immune system becomes overactive and starts attacking healthy tissues, including the joints. People with Rheumatoid Arthritis may also experience problems with their eyes, heart and other organs, as well as the skin. Psoriatic Arthritis, Gout and Juvenile Arthritis are less common form of the disease. Infectious Arthritis can occur following a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Septic arthritis is the condition describing an actual actively infected joint which is a medical emergency and these patients need to be seen in hospital urgently.
Symptoms of arthritis
Certain symptoms are common with arthritis. These include:
- A persistent pain or aching in the joints. You may notice this becoming worse over time.
- Stiffness in the affected joint. This may be particularly noticeable after you wake up or when you’ve been sitting for a while.
- Reduced mobility, for example, you might have problems bending or straightening the knee or hip.
- A grinding sensation when you move the affected joint. This may be accompanied by a crackling or popping sound (crepitus).
Hip Pain
Hip Osteoarthritis causes hip stiffness and pain which may also affect the groin and front of the thigh. If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis it usually affects both hips. You may also experience swelling in the hip area, groin or thighs. With Psoriatic Arthritis, pain in the hips may be accompanied by psoriasis, which is a disease of the skin. There might also be pain in the buttocks, outer thigh or groin.
Other conditions that are not arthritis can also cause hip pain. For example, Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the areas between the bones, tendons, muscles and skin. Bursitis can affect the hip and knee areas. Similarly, Tendinitis can cause hip pain. The tendons connect the muscles to the bone throughout the body, including around the hip joint. If they become injured due to overuse they can become painful.
Knee Pain
Knee Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of osteoarthritis. Alongside pain and stiffness in the knee, you may notice a loss of function and you might feel a grating sensation when you move your knee. This may be accompanied by a crackling or popping sound. If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis of the knee you are likely to experience pain, swelling and inflammation which normally affects both knees. Gout is a form of arthritis that produces intense pain and swelling in the big toe but it also commonly spreads to the knees. This leads to rapid and severe pain, which normally peaks after 4-12 hours. Infectious Arthritis, caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi reaching the joint via the bloodstream, most commonly affects the knee joints. Symptoms usually develop rapidly and are accompanied by swelling and fever. Other joints besides the knees and hips can be affected. This condition needs to be assessed in hospital urgently.
Other potential causes of knee pain include sprains, dislocations and tears. If you notice a sudden, sharp pain, for example, this could be a fracture or ligament tear. Similarly, if the pain comes on when you perform a particular activity or movement it could be muscle-related.
As a general rule, if the pain you are experiencing is sudden and severe, is persistent or getting worse, or is interfering with your everyday activities we generally recommend seeking medical advice. Also, if you are concerned about your symptoms and suspect you may have arthritis, it is advisable to seek a professional diagnosis so you can begin a course of any necessary treatment at the earliest opportunity.
Contact us if you would like to discuss your symptoms or if you have a diagnosis and would like to know more about possible next steps.
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