Arthritis isn’t a singular condition with reliable symptoms. Instead, there are at least 100 different conditions that fall into the category of arthritic conditions, including gout, lupus erythematosus, spondyloarthropathies, and psoriatic rheumatoid and reactive arthritis. Patients diagnosed with these conditions may experience varying symptoms, many of which are quite debilitating.
Different symptoms that patients with arthritic conditions experience
Individuals diagnosed with an autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often worry about their medical condition damaging their kidneys, lungs, brain, heart or skin. It can adversely affect their connective tissue resulting in swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, sensitivity to light and mouth sores.
An estimated 30% of individuals who ultimately receive a psoriatic arthritis diagnosis start with a psoriasis one. Anyone diagnosed with this condition is likely to notice a change in their fingers’ texture and coloring. They often turn pink and take on a shriveled up appearance. Pitts also develop along the fingernail. The fingers aren’t the only body part affected by this condition, though. It can spread to other joints as well.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another autoimmune disease that can adversely affect a person’s joint tissue, including leaving them with bilateral joint pain and morning stiffness. Someone with RA may also experience a burning, numb or tingling sensation in their feet and hands and have difficulty sleeping. RA patients may also experience skin, lung, eye and heart problems.
What to do when your arthritis impacts your ability to work
Arthritis Foundation statistics show that an estimated 50 million adults suffer from one form or another of this debilitating condition. An inability to sleep, constant pain and other symptoms often accompany an arthritis diagnosis and can leave you feeling too weak or uncomfortable to work.
If you’re thinking about applying for Social Security Disability benefits, an attorney can review your medical records and guide you through the process of submitting your application for benefits.