Awareness is the key to early detection of any disease. Lot of people think they might have arthritis, but they never discuss it with their doctors assuming nothing can be done about it. Ideas like this can pass from generations, even though they aren’t true and younger people with joint pain might not even consider arthritis. They would be surprised to learn that people of any age can get arthritis, even children.

Arthritis might seem simple, but it’s not. There are hundreds of types of arthritis and related conditions. It can start in many ways, and might be difficult to recognize. Symptoms can take years to detect, or it can start suddenly and cause intense pain. The signs and symptoms can come and go over time. It might cause the classic joint pain, swelling and stiffness, or it may first cause health problems that seem unrelated, like fatigue. Early signs of arthritis might be mistaken for an injury or the result of activity excess.

If you are having joint pain symptoms and are asking, do I have Arthritis?,  you owe it to your joints and your overall health to find out. An experienced, well-trained doctor is the place to start. Because there are so many types of arthritis, diagnosis can be a bit tricky. Most people start with their primary care physician, but then are referred to medical specialists called rheumatologists, experts in arthritis and related diseases.

Follow our commitment to Arthritis Awareness 

In May, Assisting Hands Home Care in Palm Beach will be highlighting, attending and supporting some local events to create awareness of the disease. Follow us on Facebook @AHPalmBeach to see how we are doing and echo our voice.

More information about Arthritis can be found at the Arthritis Foundation’s website.