What Does Arthritis Feel Like?

Common arthritis symptoms

Not every sore joint is arthritis. Joint pain can happen after exercise, heavy activity, injury or overuse. Arthritis is more likely to be considered when symptoms keep coming back, last longer than expected, or start getting in the way of daily life.

People with arthritis may notice:

• Joint pain: The pain may feel dull, deep, sharp, sore or achy.
• Stiffness: The joint may feel hard to move, especially in the morning, after sitting or after not using it for a while.
• Reduced range of motion: It may be harder to bend, straighten, grip, walk, climb stairs or move the joint normally.
• Swelling: The joint may look puffy or seem larger than usual.
• Tenderness: The joint or the area around it may hurt when touched or pressed.
• Warmth or redness: Some types of arthritis cause inflammation that can make the skin around the joint look red or feel warm.
• Grinding or clicking: Some people notice clicking or a grinding feeling when the joint moves.
• Fatigue: In inflammatory or autoimmune types of arthritis, joint symptoms can happen along with tiredness or a general run-down feeling.

How arthritis may feel in different joints

Arthritis can affect different joints, and the symptoms do not always feel the same in each area. What it feels like often depends on which joint is involved and how much that joint is used during the day.

Arthritis in the hands or fingers may feel like aching, stiffness, swelling or tenderness. It can make small tasks like opening jars, writing or typing more difficult. Some people also notice weaker grip.

Arthritis in the knees can make everyday movements painful, especially walking, standing or using stairs. The knee may feel stiff or swollen in a way that makes it harder to fully bend or straighten.

Arthritis in the hips can cause pain in the groin, outer hip, thigh or buttocks. It may be more noticeable when getting out of a car, standing up from a chair or walking after sitting for a while. Some people also notice that they walk differently because the joint feels stiff or painful.

Arthritis in the feet or ankles may cause pain with standing or walking. The joint may feel stiff, swollen or tender. Shoes may feel uncomfortable if swelling is present. This can also change how a person walks.

Arthritis in the back or neck may cause aching, stiffness or reduced movement. Some people feel worse after sitting or resting for a long time. Certain inflammatory conditions can also cause back stiffness that improves after the body starts moving.

Does arthritis feel the same for everyone?

No. Arthritis does not feel the same for everyone. Symptoms depend on the type of arthritis, the joints involved, the level of inflammation and the person’s overall health.

• Osteoarthritis is often linked to wear and tear in a joint. It can feel achy and stiff after periods of rest, then become more painful as the joint is used again and again. Osteoarthritis seems to worsen at the end of the day due to use.
• Rheumatoid arthritis develops when the immune system attacks the joints by mistake, which can lead to swelling, pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis as well as other inflammatory arthritis produce more pain and stiffness first thing in the morning.
• Gout can cause sudden, intense joint pain. The joint may become swollen, red and very tender. Gout often affects the big toe, but it can occur in other joints as well. Symptoms often occur at the early times around dawn since that is when the body temperature is the coolest and crystals tend to precipitate causing the body to react.

Because arthritis can have many causes, symptoms do not always give the full answer. To better understand the cause, a healthcare provider may ask about your symptoms and medical history, examine the joint and recommend blood work or imaging if needed.

When to talk with a healthcare provider

Talk with a healthcare provider if joint pain, swelling or stiffness is not improving, keeps coming back or makes it harder to do normal activities. A primary care provider can often start the evaluation and help decide whether specialty care is needed.

If you are experiencing sudden weakness, chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of stroke, a severe injury or another emergency, call 911.

Frequently asked questions

What does arthritis pain feel like?

Arthritis pain may feel like aching, stiffness, tenderness, swelling, warmth or reduced movement in one or more joints. Some people feel a dull ache. Others notice sharp pain with certain movements or stiffness after rest.

Can arthritis feel like muscle pain?

Arthritis affects the joints, but the pain can sometimes feel like it spreads into nearby muscles or soft tissue. A healthcare provider can help determine whether pain is coming from a joint, muscle, tendon, nerve or another cause.

Does arthritis hurt all the time?

Not always. Arthritis pain may be constant, or it may come and go. Some people have flares. Others notice pain mainly after activity, in the morning or after sitting for a long time.

What does arthritis feel like in the beginning?

Early arthritis may feel like mild joint stiffness, aching, tenderness or reduced movement. It can be easy to dismiss at first, especially if symptoms improve and then return later.

How do I know if joint pain is arthritis?

You can’t always tell from symptoms alone. Arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced motion, but other conditions can cause similar symptoms. A healthcare provider can examine the joint, review your history and order tests if needed.

When should I see a rheumatologist for arthritis symptoms?

A rheumatologist may be helpful if joint pain is persistent, affects multiple joints, involves swelling, comes with long morning stiffness or may be related to an autoimmune or inflammatory condition. Referral needs may depend on your insurance plan and clinical situation.