Rather than a single condition, arthritis is a group of disorders that develop in vital bone and muscle joints affecting mobility and range of motion. Over a hundred different types of arthritis can develop in various regions of the body. However, most arthritis symptoms overlap with those of known progressive conditions, making it difficult to determine the exact source of such discomfort. However, one must avoid overlooking joint pain, a key symptom of arthritis.

Here are the ways in which ignoring joint pain can worsen arthritis:

Localized knee pain
Knee pain is the most common type of discomfort reported by those with arthritis. So, it’s possible for many with the condition to ignore this symptom, thinking it is just a symptom flare-up. However, persistent knee pain, when a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, could indicate an internal injury. Weak muscles and bones can trigger hairline fractures that do not necessarily exhibit any symptoms other than persistent pain. However, leaving such fractures and injuries unattended can result in permanent damage to the limbs. Severe injuries may even require surgical intervention to repair the muscle tissue and provide structural damage to bone joints. So, one should not ignore any type of knee pain that persists over a few days.

Pain in the Achilles tendon
Arthritis-induced inflammation can increase the risk of pain in the Achilles tendon—the largest tendon connecting major muscle groups that help one run, walk, or jump. The tendon can endure a lot of stress. However, arthritis can weaken the muscles and joints connected to the tendon, increasing the risk of tendonitis and affecting mobility due to joint wear and tear. The pain primarily begins in the Achilles heel but ultimately reaches the lower back resulting in swelling of the connector joints.

Infections
Doctors refer to this condition as reactive arthritis, in which the body struggles to fight bacterial infections, especially when already dealing with joint pain and inflammation. Once the infection gets out of control, those with arthritis may experience frequent and painful urination. Those who take disease-modifying prescription options to suppress immune system responses are at risk of developing such infections. Here, one of the most common problems is a urinary tract infection that develops as a side effect of suppressed immune responses. The intensity of discomfort mainly depends on the type of prescriptions given to manage common types of arthritis. So, if notices joint pain accompanied by frequent urination, they should consult a doctor to check for infections.

Swelling
Inflammation triggers arthritis pain due to swelling in the tissues covering vital joints. Such inflammation and swelling, if left unchecked, can spread to the tendons connecting muscle groups resulting in tendonitis. In fact, those already dealing with gout and rheumatoid arthritis are at high risk of developing tendonitis if the inflammation persists. People who engage in extremely athletic activities like professional running or cycling can also develop tendonitis and knee and joint pain. So, one should never ignore any swelling and redness of core muscle groups visible on the skin, especially when at risk of specific arthritis.

Bruises and bleeding
Joint pain is just one of the symptoms linked to arthritis. Flare-ups can also trigger skin sensitivity, resulting in visible symptoms. For example, one may experience serious bruising after mild injury or impact or experience persistent bleeding, which could be signs of blood disorders that can develop alongside joint pain. In fact, certain prescriptions for managing arthritis pain contribute to low platelet count in the blood affecting its ability to clot naturally. The risk of such issues is high among those dealing with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Such discomfort worsens joint pain and makes dealing with arthritis challenging. 

Fatigue
Fatigue is a common concern for those with arthritis. Progressive disorders tend to affect the body’s immunity and lower its ability to deal with symptoms. Due to fatigue, one may also experience joint pain. In fact, fatigue is one of the most glaring indicators of rheumatoid arthritis. Many prescription treatment options that help manage common types of arthritis can also trigger fatigue as a side effect. One should avoid ignoring frequent bouts of extreme weakness, as it could indicate other health complications developing simultaneously with arthritis. 

One should avoid overlooking any of these persistent symptoms at any stage—even before or during diagnosis or when ongoing treatment for arthritis. Delaying seeking treatment can only worsen the flare-ups and cause irreversible damage to the joints.