Inflammation, infection, chemical imbalances, physical deterioration and autoimmune reactions can cause joint disease. Common joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis typically cause progressive joint destruction and disability. Other joint diseases such as reactive arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica cause transient joint symptoms without permanent physical damage. Joint disease symptoms considered along with physical findings and laboratory test results prove essential factors in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritic conditions.
Joint Pain
Pain occurs with all forms of joint disease. The nature and location of the pain vary. "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" notes that the intense pain of a gouty arthritis attack typically occurs suddenly, and then abates over a period of days to weeks. Information from the University of Maryland Medical Center points out that septic arthritis--a joint infection--also commonly causes sudden, intense pain in a single joint. Chronic joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cause a lower level of persistent pain, which often builds gradually in intensity with progressive damage to multiple joints.
Swelling and Stiffness
Joint swelling and stiffness occur with most types of joint diseases including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, septic arthritis, gouty arthritis and lupus arthritis. Swelling and stiffness reflect inflammation within the joint. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases points out that joint swelling is notably absent with fibromyalgia, as this condition is not associated with an inflammatory response within the joint.
Joint Deformity
Joint deformities frequently occur with progressive forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, notes "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals." Gout may also cause joint deformity in those with the chronic form of the disease. Lupus arthritis usually proves transient and causes joint deformity in less than 10 percent of patients, reports the Lupus Foundation of America. Transient forms of arthritis such as septic arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and reactive arthritis do not cause joint deformities, reports the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Similarly, joint deformities remain absent with fibromyalgia, which is not associated with joint destruction or inflammation.
Reduced Range of Motion
Joint diseases associated with progressive joint destruction typically lead to limited range of motion in the affected joints. According to "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals," osteoarthritis often affects the finger, knee, spine and hip joints. The hands, wrists, ankles, hips, knees, shoulders and elbows may be involved with rheumatoid arthritis. Limited range of motion in the affected joints may severely limit the capacity to perform everyday tasks among those with advanced disease.
Fever
Fever may occur intermittently with rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, septic arthritis, lupus arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. Osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, however, do not cause fever, notes the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Handout on Health, Osteoarthritis
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Osteoarthritis, Signs and Symptoms
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Handout on Health, Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Signs and Symptoms
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Questions and Answers About Juvenile Arthritis
