Welcome to our occasional series from our Parish Nurse Ministry! These articles will provide snippets of useful information for your physical and mental health and wellness.
Do I have Arthritis?
Arthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. How do you know if your joint symptoms mean you have arthritis? Only a health care professional can tell you for sure, but certain signs usually point to arthritis, including: ·Pain – can be constant or come and go; in one part of the body or many areas. ·Swelling – joints that are red, swollen or warm to the touch ·Stiffness – especially when waking up in the morning, or sitting for a long time What to do
Before visiting your doctor, keep track of your symptoms for a few weeks. If your health care provider suspects arthritis, they will perform physical tests to check your ability to move your joints, and whether movement causes pain. They will review your medical history and order lab tests as needed. They can also refer you to a doctor who specializes in treating arthritis. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important to treat your symptoms.