Patient/caregiver was educated on the signs and symptoms of arthritis as follows:
Irrespective to the cause of inflammation in the joint, the basic signs and symptoms of all joint inflammation are the same. Individuals with arthritis present with one or more of the following features:
Pain and tenderness –
- Inflammation is a protective response to tissue injury. White blood cells can offer the needed protection by releasing some chemicals in the involved joint.
- These chemicals not only increase sensitivity to pain, but also contribute to release of further pain causing chemicals. This results in exacerbated pain and tenderness in the involved joints.
Warmth and redness
- Chemicals from the white cells and damaged joint tissues can contribute to dilation of blood vessels in and around the joint, resulting in more blood flow to the joint.
- Increased blood flow results in warmth and redness to the involved joint.
Swelling
- Chemicals released as part of inflammatory process contribute to relaxation and dilation of blood vessels in and around the joint, resulting in more blood flow to the joint.
- Dilation of blood vessels can also lead to increased leakage of fluid from the blood vessels. This increased leakage of fluid combined with fluid leaked out of damaged joint tissues lead to excessive swelling.
Limited range of motion
- The pain and swelling can lead to stiffness and limitation in the range of motion of the involved joints.
