Do you hear creaking sounds when you go up stairs or pick up an object? These small mechanical clicking noises , sometimes called crepitus, can indicate cartilage degeneration . Often dismissed, they become a concern if they are accompanied by pain or limitations in your daily activities.
Loss of flexibility: what if it’s not just related to age?
Does your neck no longer rotate as freely as before? Do your knees struggle to bend fully? This reduced range of motion can signal chronic inflammation or cartilage erosion , far beyond simple aging.
Referred pain: the body sometimes plays guessing games
Your shoulder is throbbing… but the problem might be in your neck! Arthritis has this particularity of causing pain in distant areas . The discomfort can appear far from its true origin : a damaged hip can manifest as discomfort in the knee. All the more reason to opt for a comprehensive assessment .
Persistent exhaustion: when the body sounds the alarm
Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep? In inflammatory arthritis, the immune system is working overtime , which exhausts the body. Add to that nighttime awakenings due to pain, and a vicious cycle begins.
What should be done in the face of these symptoms?
The golden rule: never ignore a new or unusual sign . Even if you’re already familiar with the joys of arthritis, any change warrants a medical visit. Don’t panic, but pay close attention to your body.
Solutions exist to improve daily life: adapted movements , targeted nutrition , stress management, and sometimes local treatments like joint balms , which help you move without necessarily resorting to strong medication . The key? Acting early . Your body sends you messages—sometimes long before tests detect anything. Learn to listen to it without delay .
