Symptoms and Complications
Symptoms of osteoarthritis (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 (nodules) that develop on the end or middle joint of the fingers
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include:
- pain and swelling in the smaller joints of the hands and feet
- 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)
Symptoms of gout include:
- joint pain and swelling
- acute joint inflammation with heat and redness
- accumulation of uric acid or urate crystals in the joints
Pain associated with OA may also arise from other body parts around the joint, such as the bone, muscle, ligament, or tendon due to swelling or inflammation, usually following physical activity. People with OA often stop using the affected and painful joint, but inactivity can weaken the muscles and worsen the condition.
RA symptoms may linger, although there may also be periods of remission where there is little or no pain. Complications occur when fluid builds up in the joint space and causes swelling and intense pain. Surrounding tissues can also swell, making the whole joint and the area around it painful to touch and move. Muscles may also contract, spasm, and become stiff from inactivity.
A gout attack is extremely painful and can last five to seven days and possibly up to three weeks. The first attack often starts in the big toe, but the ankles, knees, elbows, and fingers can also be affected.