Many people view arthritis as a problem that only develops with age, but the truth is that anyone of just about any age can have arthritis. There are several different types of arthritis, and getting an accurate diagnosis as early on as possible will help you to better manage and treat the condition.
If you notice these three early signs of arthritis, you might want to find a plastic surgeon hand specialist near you for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
1. Joint Pain
Joint pain is one of the most common signs of arthritis, and it can show up at virtually any age. You might notice a throbbing or aching pain in your joints, which usually gets worse after periods of inactivity and sometimes as soon as you get out of bed in the morning.
Depending on the type and severity of your joint pain, your plastic surgeon may recommend nonsurgical treatments such as splints, anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections.
2. Swelling and Stiffness
In addition to joint pain, you might have trouble moving the affected joints due to stiffness. Arthritis symptoms are caused by underlying inflammation, so affected areas of your body might also feel warm to the touch or appear red and swollen.
If nonsurgical treatments aren’t enough, a skilled plastic surgeon can perform a joint fusion or joint reconstruction to alleviate arthritis pain.
3. Skin Problems
Psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis could also cause changes in your skin. Flaky, scaly patches of skin could be a sign of psoriatic arthritis, while reddened areas of skin may be signs of rheumatoid arthritis.
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