3. Joint stiffness, especially in the morning
“Stiffness is often a major feature of arthritis,” says Dr Deborah Lee. “It is typically worse when waking in the morning but does not last more than 30 minutes. It loosens up with moving around.”Joint stiffness, particularly when you first get up and after periods of rest, is a popular early sign of arthritis. Morning stiffness originating from osteoarthritis may only last half an hour after waking up, whereas stiffness resulting from rheumatoid arthritis may last longer.
4. Grinding or cracking sounds when you move the joint
Crepitus refers to a feeling or noise that you hear when you move your joints. If you’re hearing grinding or cracking sounds when you move your joints, this may be because the cartilage has worn down.
5. Reduced range of motion
If you have arthritis, it may be harder to fully bend or stretch the affected area. This stricted range could be because of damaged cartilage, inflammation or a result of stiffness.
6. Deferred pain
The pain of arthritis does not just affect the joint in question: it can also impact on nearby areas. For example, pain from arthritis in the hip can sometimes be felt in the buttocks, groin, thigh or knee. Arthritis in the foot can also affect the hips, glutes, and back. Lower back pain as a result of arthritis can also be felt in the knees.
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