Final answer:
Arthritis displays major warning signals including joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased motion, which are indicative of conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosing arthritis involves assessing symptoms and may require imaging like arthrography.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic seven major warning signals for arthritis include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased range of motion, joint deformities, such as bony nodules, pain worsening with activity, and improvement with rest. Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form, results from the wear and tear of articular cartilage, often exacerbated by mechanical stress and low-grade joint inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes painful, swollen, and stiff joints. Diagnosis generally relies on signs, symptoms, and medical imaging such as arthrography, which allows early detection of cartilage degeneration.
Arthritis symptoms gradually progress, initially presenting after exercise or activity, but over time they can become constant. Treatment focuses on alleviating pain through lifestyle changes like weight loss and low-impact exercise, medications, and, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.
The four cardinal signs of inflammation—redness, swelling, pain, and heat—are commonly present in arthritic joints, with loss of function being a possible fifth sign. These symptoms collectively contribute to the discomfort and mobility limitations associated with arthritis.