Who is at risk for developing Extremity Arthritis?
Anyone can develop arthritic damage, but it is commonly found more in those who use the joint in a repetitive motion each day. It is commonly found in those over the age of 50, but is possible to develop in anyone.
What are the signs and symptoms of Extremity Arthritis?
The most common symptoms experienced by patients with extremity arthritis are pain localized to one joint, swelling and a loss of function within the damaged joint. As arthritic damage is a gradual progression of symptoms, the extent to which the symptoms are felt will vary from patient to patient.
Early stages of arthritis can manifest simply as soreness, tenderness, or swelling of the joint. Affected joints will also be warm to the touch and extra sensitive to pressure on the joint. Later stages of arthritis may come as a loss of function within the joint, as an overly swollen joint can prevent the bones from moving properly.