Do I Have Arthritis?

Pain is the way your body tells you that something is wrong. Most types of arthritis cause pain in your joints. You might have trouble moving around. Some kinds of arthritis can affect different parts of your body. So, along with pain in your joints, you may:

• have a fever
• lose weight
• have trouble breathing
• get a rash or itch.

These symptoms may also be signs of other illnesses.

You might also have some form of arthritis if you have:

• Lasting joint pain,
• Joint swelling,
• Joint stiffness,
• Tenderness or pain when touching a joint,
• Problems using or moving a joint normally, or
• Warmth and redness in a joint.
  

If any one of these symptoms lasts longer than 2 weeks, see your regular doctor or a rheumatologist. If you have a fever, feel physically ill, suddenly have a swollen joint, or have problems using your joint, see your doctor sooner. Your health care provider will ask questions about your symptoms and do a physical exam. He or she may take x rays or do lab tests before suggesting a treatment plan.