Joint and bone problems often start subtle. Symptoms include swelling, stiffness, pain, or minor changes in posture. These early signs are easy to miss, but they may indicate serious underlying problems that can worsen if ignored.
Dr. Kunal Sood, an interventional pain specialist and anesthesiologist, sheds light on the often ignored signs of joint and bone issues that can lead to serious complications. In an Instagram video, Dr. Sood explains how changes in posture and joint discomfort can reveal underlying conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis or gout.
gnarled finger joints with stiffness
Dr. Sood says that stiffness in the joints of the knuckles is a common symptom of osteoarthritis (OA). He explains that hard, bony growths in the middle and end joints of the fingers (called Heberden and Bouchard nodes) are classic signs of hand OA. This joint pain is activity-related, and stiffness is usually brief. However, if your main knuckles (the joints that connect your fingers to your palm) are swollen, this points to inflammatory arthritis.
swollen, stiff joints (especially in the morning)
Swollen, stiff joints – especially noticeable in the morning – may indicate an inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Sood highlights, “Morning stiffness reflects joint inflammation lasting 30 to 60 minutes and cytokine activity peaking overnight. The combination of swelling and prolonged stiffness is a strong inflammatory signal.”
Sudden pain, redness, and swelling in the big toe
According to Dr. Sood, these are classic symptoms of arthritis. Gout is often diagnosed by analyzing joint fluid for needle-shaped urate crystals. He explains, “Increased pain and swelling in the big toe (podagra) is caused by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joint. Attacks peak within 24 hours and usually resolve within a few days.”
curved backwards as height decreases
These are classic symptoms of osteoporosis, which reduces bone quality over time, increasing the risk of spinal fractures. Dr. Sood elaborates: “Vertebral compression fractures cause loss of height and a pronounced forward curve (kyphosis) in the upper back. Even small height loss increases the risk of future fractures and death. Back pain and loss of height are major early signs of vertebral fractures.”
hot, swollen knee
Dr. Sood explains that this indicates swelling in the joints. He explains, “Warmth, swelling, and tenderness reflect inflammation and excess joint fluid. Causes include infection, autoimmune arthritis, or crystal deposition. A joint fluid analysis (arthrocentesis) confirms the exact cause.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
