5 Early Warning Signs of Arthritis You Should Not Ignore

By Ayur wakeup | November 22, 2025

Many of us in today’s hectic lives tend to overlook minor aches and pains as typical issues. However, identifying the early warning signs of arthritis can be very important. Arthritis can affect people of any age despite the common misconception that it only affects those who are older. 

A small amount of swelling, stiffness or a lump in your knee or elbow can all be early warning indicators of a more serious issue. Reducing pain and slowing the disease’s progression are two benefits of early detection and treatment. 

Table Of Contents:

1. What are the early signs of Arthritis?
2. Types of Arthritis and its signs – Detailed overview
3. When to Get Medical Assistance?
4. FAQ

What Are The Early Signs Of Arthritis?

Decreased Flexibility and Stiffness:

• Reduced mobility and stiffness are two of the most typical early indicators of arthritis. 
• The most typical symptoms are difficulty moving your elbows, knees, fingers and back when you wake up in the morning. 
• This stiffness can be uncomfortable in the morning and last for a considerable amount of time, not just a few minutes. 
• You might occasionally feel stiff when you bend over, sit up abruptly or climb stairs. 

Persistent Joint Pain:

• One of the most noticeable indicators of the beginning of arthritis is joint pain that lasts for days or weeks rather than just one day. 
• Elbow knee finger joint ankle and shoulder pain that is persistent especially after use is frequently worse. 
• Sometimes this pain only affects one joint before moving to other joints. 
• Early warning signs from the body include a tight feeling when moving a joint and discomfort with even the smallest movement. 

Reasons for Psoriasis in Ayurveda

• Incompatible Foods
• Digestion disorders and indigestion 
• Stress and emotional aspects
• Unhealthy habits like overstudying and excessive forgetfulness
• Insufficient sleep
• Too much fried and greasy food 
• Drinking and smoking

Primary Objectives of Ayurvedic Medicine

• Balance of doshas being restored
• Blood filtration
• Pitta-Vata samaana
• Enhancement of the skin’s capacity for natural regeneration
• Peace of mind and stress management

Inflammation or Swelling Near the Joints:

• Unusual tenderness, warmth or swelling around a joint is a clear indication that arthritis is starting. 
• In joints like the knees, elbows, fingers and ankles this swelling is typically worse in the morning and may progressively go away with movement. 
• Inflammation within the body is the cause of this swelling so even the sensitive skin inside the joint may become sore red and discolored. 
• Occasionally the joint may feel warmer than normal or look bulgy. 

General Discomfort and Exhaustion:

• Arthritis affects more than just your joints; it can wear you out and cause discomfort all over your body. 
• Early indicators of arthritis include feeling heavy, feeling exhausted even after performing simple tasks and feeling tired despite getting enough sleep. 
• Your body’s silent inflammation is typically the cause of this. 
• Your body expends more energy trying to manage joint pain and swelling which makes you feel more exhausted during the day. 

A Grinding or Clicking Sound:

• When moving a joint, hearing a clicking or grinding sound is frequently an indication of the beginning of arthritis and the deterioration of the cartilage inside the joint. 
• The soft cartilage that sits between the joints should normally serve as a cushion. 
• However this clicking or grinding sound is produced when the bones rub against one another as it deteriorates. 

 Types Of Arthritis And Its Signs- Detailed Overview

🖐️ Early Signs of Arthritis in Fingers Morning stiffness, joint enlargement, discomfort, grinding sounds, warmth/redness, weak grip, and difficulty doing fine tasks.	✋ Early Signs of Arthritis in Hands Rigidity, swelling, joint pain, weak grip, redness, clicking sounds, reduced motion, numbness, and fatigue.
🤷‍♂️ Early Signs of Arthritis in Shoulders Pain during movement, morning stiffness, reduced motion, clicking/grinding, numbness, weakened lifting strength, and night pain.	🦶 Early Signs of Arthritis in Feet Morning stiffness, joint aches, swelling, walking discomfort, redness/warmth, limited motion, and clicking sounds.
🦵 Early Signs of Arthritis in Knees Sore knees, stiffness after waking, swelling, restricted motion, grinding/clicking, stair pain, warmth, and redness.	👋 Early Signs of Arthritis in Wrist Wrist pain, morning stiffness, swelling, weak grip, clicking/grinding, less mobility, and numbness.
🔙 Early Signs of Arthritis in Back Chronic back pain, morning stiffness, limited movement, pain worsening while sitting, swelling, and difficulty bending.	🦶 Early Signs of Arthritis in Toes Morning stiffness, toe joint pain, swelling, walking discomfort, redness/warmth, reduced motion, and grinding/clicking.

When To Get Medical Assistance?

• If symptoms like joint pain, stiffness and swelling continue for several days or get worse over time you must get medical attention. 
• A medical examination is also necessary for morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes, red and warm joints, mobility issues and pain that prevents you from carrying out daily tasks. 
• See a doctor right away if your symptoms don’t go away or if you have issues like exhaustion and a slight fever.

FAQ

What symptoms of arthritis appear first?

The initial symptoms include stiffness in the morning joint pain swelling, reduced range of motion and clicking sounds.

Is persistent joint pain an indication of arthritis?

Yes, pain that persists for a few days or weeks may be a precursor.

Do the hands and fingers become affected by arthritis?

Yes, the hands, elbows and fingers may be the first to show symptoms.