Symptoms and Complications
Symptoms of OA include:
- stiffness on awakening or after prolonged rest
- pain in a joint during or after use
- discomfort in a joint before or during a change in weather
- swelling and a loss of flexibility in a joint
- bony lumps (called Heberden and Bouchard nodes) that develop on the end or middle joint of the fingers
Symptoms of RA include:
- pain and swelling in any joint, but usually symmetrically (if one joint is affected, the other side will soon follow)
- overall aching or stiffness, especially after sleeping or periods of motionlessness
- joints that are swollen, painful, and warm to the touch during the initial attack and ensuing flare-ups
- nodules, or lumps, that most commonly occur near the elbow (but can occur anywhere)
- fatigue
Symptoms of gout include:
- Gout attacks are usually very obvious and symptoms include acute joint inflammation with severe pain, swelling, heat, and redness. It can often be difficult to differentiate it from an acute infection. Any joint can be affected, but the big toe is by far the most common. The attack may last up to a week or more without treatment, then usually resolves and gets better on its own.
- Flank or groin pain and blood in the urine (visible or only on testing) may signal a kidney stone.