Arthritis symptoms: how to spot them and what to do

Do your joints ache, lock up, or swell after simple tasks? That could be an arthritis symptom. Some types start slowly and only bother you after activity. Others wake you up with stiff, swollen joints. Knowing the difference helps you act fast and protect your joints.

Common symptoms to watch for

Joint pain is the headline sign. It may be sharp, dull, or a deep ache. If pain worsens with movement and improves with rest, think osteoarthritis. If pain is worse in the morning and eases after about 30 minutes of moving, that points more to inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis.

Stiffness and reduced range of motion follow pain. You might struggle to bend a knee or make a fist. Swelling and warmth suggest inflammation. Redness and a hot, swollen joint can mean infection or gout — both need urgent care.

Other clues: creaking or grinding (called crepitus) in a joint, joint instability, or a visible deformity over time. Systemic signs like tiredness, fever, weight loss, or multiple swollen joints suggest an inflammatory cause rather than wear-and-tear.

Simple checks and red flags

Try a quick self-check: is stiffness worse after resting or after activity? If stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes after waking, tell your doctor. If one joint swells suddenly and painfully, especially with fever, seek immediate care — that could be septic arthritis or gout.

See a doctor sooner if symptoms stop you doing normal tasks, get steadily worse over weeks, or if you have swelling plus fever, rash, or unexplained weight loss. Also get evaluated if pain persists despite over-the-counter meds and home care for two to six weeks.

What will the doctor check? Expect a focused exam, simple blood tests (CRP, ESR, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP) to look for inflammation or autoimmune markers, and imaging like X-rays or ultrasound to see joint damage or fluid.

Practical at-home steps you can try now: use heat for stiff joints and cold for hot, swollen ones; keep active with low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or gentle strength work; lose excess weight to reduce pressure on knees and hips; and use supportive shoes or braces when needed. Over-the-counter pain relievers (paracetamol or NSAIDs) help short-term, but check with a clinician before long-term use.

Long-term treatment depends on the type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis focuses on exercise, weight loss, joint protection, and sometimes injections or joint replacement. Inflammatory arthritis often needs disease-modifying drugs prescribed early to prevent damage.

If you’re unsure what’s causing your joint trouble, don’t wait. Early assessment gives you more options and a better chance to keep moving without pain.