Symptoms of advanced or severe arthritis

• Pain present even when at rest.
• Pain interferes with sleep.
• Increased stiffness, especially after a long period of rest.
• Swelling in the joint and a feeling of tightness, especially after increased activity
• Joint crepitance. (Crepitance is an unusual word that describes a squeaking noise when the joint moves.)
• Loss of motion in joint; unable to bend or straighten joint completely.
• Inability to lift or hold onto heavier objects; dropping objects.
• Physical deformation of the joints, including enlargement of the joint, the formation of bone spurs, and cystic deformities or erosions in the bone.

Activity Modification

As your arthritis advances, your doctor may recommend a change in your physical activities to help reduce the pain and inflammation in your joints. For example, you may need to find different ways to carry out your daily activities that are less stressful to your joints, perhaps by using adaptive equipment. You may need to change, or begin, an exercise program. Your physician can guide you through the modifications you need to your lifestyle.

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