It’s common to have aches and pains in your muscles and joints from time to time. This may especially be true if you take part in unusual or strenuous physical activities.
So, how can you tell the difference between the early signs of arthritis and normal pain and stiffness? And, how do you know when you should see a doctor about your symptoms?
If you have swelling or stiffness that you can’t explain and that won’t go away in a few days, or if it becomes painful to touch your joints, you should see a doctor. The earlier you get a diagnosis and start the right type of treatment, the better the outcome will be.
Here are some other things to think about that might help you decide whether you need to see a doctor:
Persistence of symptoms
- How and when did the pain start?
- If the pain came on after unusual exercise or activity you may have just overdone it a bit, and the pain should ease within a few days.
- See a doctor if the pain isn’t linked to an injury or if the pain won’t go away.
Swelling of joints
- If a joint becomes swollen and isn’t linked to an injury, you should see a doctor.
- This is especially important if you’re also unwell or have a fever, or if the joint is red and warm.
Effects on your daily life
- See a doctor or other relevant healthcare professional if you’re unable to do everyday tasks due to joint or muscle pain.
- If you’ve lifted something heavy and hurt your back, for example, take some painkillers, apply some heat and try to stay active. If the pain doesn’t ease after a couple of weeks or so, see a doctor.
It’s important to see a doctor if you get any new symptoms or if you have any trouble with drugs you’re taking.
If you have an appointment with a doctor, to help make sure you get the most out of it, you could take a list of questions with you and tick them off as they are discussed.
You could also keep a symptoms diary with details of how you’re feeling in between appointments. Some people find that taking a friend or relative with them to an appointment can provide support and ensure that all important points are discussed.
