Is joint pain and arthritis the same?

In the strictest sense, arthralgia simply refers to joint pain. Arthritis is inflammation in the joints, which also causes symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Many people now use the two terms interchangeably to describe joint pain.

Is joint pain always arthritis?

While the most common cause of joint pain is arthritis, not every swollen knee or stiff elbow is the result of an arthritic condition. You could have a different problem altogether, and it’s important to have a joint specialist who explores all avenues to arrive at the right diagnosis, not just the most likely one.

When should I worry about joint pain?

If pain is interfering with normal daily life activities, it is time to talk to a doctor about the problem. It is important to diagnose the cause of the pain quickly and begin treatment to relieve pain and maintain healthy, functioning joints. You should see a doctor if: Pain is accompanied by a fever.

How do I know I have arthritis?

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Can you live a long life with arthritis?

Although rheumatoid arthritis may shorten life expectancy by 10 to 15 years, the disease affects people differently, and different factors play a role in lifespan. You can’t predict this disease. But while some people experience serious complications, others go on to live long, healthy lives without complications.

Can you recover from arthritis?

Although there’s no cure for arthritis, treatments have improved greatly in recent years and, for many types of arthritis, particularly inflammatory arthritis, there’s a clear benefit in starting treatment at an early stage.

Are achy joints a symptom of Covid?

Recent research published in The Lancet in October 2020 finds that nearly 15 percent of COVID-19 patients report experiencing joint pain. “Viral infections are a known cause of acute arthralgia [joint pain] and arthritis,” the authors of the research write.