Arthritis symptoms: THREE unlikely signs of the joint condition REVEALED
ARTHRITIS symptoms are commonly thought of as joint pain and swelling, but noisy joints, muscle loss and dry eyes can also be signs you’re suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Arthritis symptoms: Dry eyes could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis
Arthritis affects around 10 million people in the UK, and causes pain and inflammation of the joint.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type, and often targets the hands, knees, spine and hips.
It is caused when the cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, according to the NHS.
The second most prevalent form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, and occurs when the body’s immune system affects the joints, leading to pain and swelling.
Arthritis symptoms: The condition affects 10 million in the UK
Well-known symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, restricted movement, and warm, red skin over affected areas.
This can cause a change in the joint’s shape, triggering it to break down.
Well-known symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, restricted movement, and warm, red skin over affected areas.
However, these three symptoms may be less well known.
Noisy joints
A sign of osteoarthritis is noisy joints.
According to the NHS, if your joints make a grating or crackling sound it could indicate the condition.
Research found that among people who said their knees "sometimes" or "often" made noise, around eight per cent developed knee arthritis symptoms in the next year.
Arthritis symptoms: An unlikely sign of osteoarthritis includes muscle loss
Muscle loss
Another lesser known symptom of osteoarthritis is muscle loss.
Known as muscle wastage, it is often due to a lack of physical activity.
Arthritis may cause this due to joint issues leading to a lack of movement.
This Morning's Dr Chris gives advice on arthritis
Arthritis symptoms: Noisy joints could be sign of osteoarthritis
Dry eyes
Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to inflammation that affects other areas of the body.
This can cause dry eyes, if the eyes are affected, and chest pain, if the heart or lungs are affected.
According to the NHS, additional unusual symptoms include tiredness, a fever, sweating, a poor appetite and weight loss.