- 1). Evaluate your joints for persistent pain. Joint pain is one of the major symptoms associated primarily with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- 2). Slowly bend at the joints. A lack of flexibility is another telltale symptom of arthritis. To test your knees, from a lying position on your back, slowly lift your legs, bend your knees and try to touch your heels to your glutes. This will give you a good indication of your joint flexibility and if there is a possibility of arthritis.
- 3). Look for swelling. Swelling occurs at joint sites where cartilage has been worn away and where there is an abnormal build-up of fluid. Joints that are inflamed often swell and become red. Look for warmth in the afflicted areas as this also tends to be a symptom.
- 4). Feel for pain. Tenderness and sharp pain at the joints are common signs of all types of arthritis. This can occur after long periods of rest or during repetitive activities that require a lot of joint motion, such as typing.
- 5). Take your temperature. Fever and chills are predominately associated with osteoarthritis and infectious arthritis. Infectious arthritis usually takes place after having a virus or infection caused by bacteria. Pay attention to swollen joints that might have occurred after having chills, weakness, head aches or fever.
- 6). Investigate your muscle pain. Fibromyalgia is a form of arthritis that affects the soft tissue of the body. Muscular pains, tender spots on the body and extreme fatigue are common symptoms. Other signs are sleep disturbances, anxiety, headaches and depression.
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