Arthritis

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Symptoms

Each type of arthritis has different symptoms. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects the joints. It most often affects the hands, knees, hips, or spine. However, it can occur in any joint that has been injured.

Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Stiffness is usually worse after resting. It often improves after a person starts moving. Over time, joints may become damaged and change shape.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause joints to become warm, red, painful, and swollen. Over time, the cartilage and bone in the joint can become damaged. The joint may also change shape.

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis also have:

  • Morning joint stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes
  • Rash
  • Fever
  • A general feeling of illness

Gout

Gout usually affects one or a few joints. It often occurs in the big toe or ankle. It can also affect the knee, wrist, or shoulder. Older adults are more likely to have gout in these larger joints.

Gout attacks often start suddenly and may begin at night. The pain is usually worst within the first day. Symptoms often improve within about 10 days, even without treatment. Some people may also have a fever.

Warning Signs

Common signs of arthritis include:

  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in one or more joints
  • Cracking or grinding sounds when the joint moves
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting
  • Warmth or redness in a joint
  • Hard bumps that form on finger joints
  • Less movement in the joint than normal

Rheumatoid arthritis may also cause:

  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Dry eyes or dry mouth
  • Swelling in other parts of the body, such as blood vessels or the lining of the lungs or heart
  • The same joints on both sides of the body affected at the same time (for example, both ankles)
  • Feeling very tired, fever, or feeling unwell
  • Weight loss, especially if it begins later in life

Arthritis pain can sometimes appear in unexpected places.

  • Tingling, weakness, or numbness in the arms or legs may mean arthritis in the spine. This can put pressure on nerves that come from the spinal cord. In some cases, it may also affect bladder or bowel control.
  • Pain in the groin, buttocks, inner thigh, or knee may be a sign of arthritis in the hip.
     


Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026 
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers 

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