Arthritis is commonly perceived as a disease of the elderly or an inevitable part of aging. In reality, it is a degenerative condition that develops silently and gradually. There is rarely a single incident that triggers it. Instead, the body begins to give subtle hints that something is wrong with the joints. Many of these early signs are overlooked or dismissed as minor discomforts, but paying attention to them can help in timely diagnosis and better management. Dr. Dhananjay Gupta, Senior Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, shares five early indicators that should not be ignored.
1. Rest Stiffness
One of the earliest signs of arthritis is stiffness in the joints after periods of rest, such as waking up in the morning or sitting for a long time. Initially, this stiffness lasts onl