Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. When arthritis affects multiple joints all over the body, it can make simple daily tasks difficult and painful. Here we’ll explore what systemic arthritis feels like and how it impacts quality of life.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a term for a variety of conditions that affect the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. The most common types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis – wear and tear damage to joint cartilage and underlying bone
- Rheumatoid arthritis – autoimmune condition that attacks joint lining
- Psoriatic arthritis – joint inflammation related to psoriasis skin condition
- Gout – buildup of uric acid crystals in joints
In many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joints throughout the body can be affected. This is referred to as systemic or generalized arthritis.
What does arthritis feel like?
Arthritis causes a range of symptoms that can make daily activities difficult and painful, including:
- Joint pain – can range from mild to severe depending on type and stage of arthritis
- Joint stiffness – especially first thing in the morning or after long periods of inactivity
- Swelling around joints – fluid accumulation causes puffiness and inflammation
- Reduced range of motion – joints don’t move as freely due to damage and swelling
- Tenderness – joints are sensitive and sore when touched or pressed
- Crepitus – cracking and grinding sensations when moving affected joints
The pain and stiffness of arthritis can make it challenging to get out of bed, walk, climb stairs, grasp objects, and perform other physical activities. Tasks like getting dressed, bathing, driving, and household chores become difficult. Arthritis pain and inflammation can also disrupt sleep.
What does arthritis all over the body feel like?
When arthritis impacts multiple joints throughout the body, the combined pain, stiffness, and immobility can be exhausting and debilitating. Here is what systemic arthritis often feels like:
Widespread pain
Rather than isolated pain in a few joints, systemic arthritis causes more generalized achiness and soreness throughout the body. It may feel like muscle pain or an overall flu-like feeling. The pain is often worse in the morning or after resting.
Fatigue
Dealing with constant pain all over leads to mental and physical exhaustion. Daily tasks require more effort as you work around joint stiffness and pain. This can drain energy levels and make it difficult to stay active.
Difficulty moving joints
With multiple joints affected, moving different parts of the body can become challenging. Simple actions require more effort and planning to avoid pain. Things like turning the head, twisting the torso, gripping objects, walking, standing up from chairs, etc. are harder.
Disrupted sleep
It’s common for arthritis pain and stiffness to interfere with sleep. Discomfort and lack of mobility makes it hard to get comfortable and sleep through the night. Fatigue from poor sleep compounds daily arthritis symptoms.
Emotional impact
Dealing with constant pain, exhaustion, and loss of physical ability often leads to sadness, irritability, and frustration. Depression is common. People may mourn activities they can no longer participate in.
How does arthritis all over feel in different parts of the body?
While the experience of systemic arthritis varies between individuals, here are some examples of how it may feel in different body areas:
Hands
Pain, tenderness, swelling in fingers and wrists. Numb, tingling hands. Difficulty making a fist, gripping objects, picking things up.
Arms
Achy upper arm muscles. Stiff, painful shoulders. Difficulty reaching overhead or behind back.
Neck
Stiff, sore neck, especially in morning. Pain moving head from side to side or looking up/down. Headaches.
Back
Lower back pain and muscle tightness. Stiffness getting out of bed. Difficulty bending over to tie shoes, pick things up.
Hips
Achy pain in hip flexors and buttocks. Trouble standing from seated position. Stairs become challenging.
Knees
Knee stiffness, pain after sitting. Swelling around knees. Difficulty bending knees fully when walking.
Feet
Stiff, painful feet and ankles, especially in morning. Heel pain. Numb, tingling toes.
What helps relieve arthritis pain all over?
While there is no cure for systemic arthritis, there are ways to manage pain and discomfort:
- Medications – Prescription anti-inflammatories and pain relievers can ease symptoms.
- Heat/ice – Applying heat pads or cold packs to painful joints brings relief.
- Exercise – Low-impact activity improves joint mobility and strength.
- Physical therapy – Stretching, strengthening exercises improve function.
- Assistive devices – Canes, grab bars, shoe inserts take pressure off joints.
- Massage – Increased blood flow and relaxation of muscles around joints.
- Stress reduction – Lowering stress can reduce inflammation and pain.
Pacing activities, getting enough rest, and finding support can also help manage systemic arthritis. Let your doctor know if pain becomes overwhelming or severely limits daily function.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Joint pain and swelling that persists more than 2 weeks
- Severe, debilitating joint pain
- Redness or warmth around joints
- Significant stiffness lasting over 30 minutes
- Locking, popping, or grinding in joints
- Injury, trauma, or overuse of joints
- Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
Early diagnosis and treatment is key to prevent permanent joint damage and disability. Rheumatologists can provide medications, therapies, and support to manage symptoms long-term.
Diagnosing arthritis
Doctors use several methods to diagnose widespread arthritis:
- Medical history – Discuss location and severity of joint pain, stiffness, activities that aggravate it.
- Physical exam – Check for swelling, redness, warmth, limited range of motion.
- Imaging – X-rays, MRI’s detect joint damage, narrowing, bone spurs.
- Lab tests – Check for inflammatory markers, autoantibodies, uric acid levels.
These help determine the type of arthritis and joints involved so appropriate treatment can begin.
Types of medications for arthritis
Medications that help manage widespread arthritis pain and inflammation:
| Type | Examples | How They Help |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Ibuprofen, naproxen | Reduce inflammation and pain |
| DMARDs | Methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine | Slow disease progression |
| Biologics | Adalimumab, etancercept | Target specific inflammation pathways |
| Corticosteroids | Prednisone, cortisone | Quickly reduce inflammation |
| Analgesics | Acetaminophen, tramadol | Relieve pain symptoms |
Doctors often use a combination of these medications to reduce systemic arthritis symptoms.
Lifestyle changes to manage arthritis
Along with medications, making certain lifestyle adjustments can improve arthritis pain and quality of life:
- Low-impact exercise – Swimming, tai chi, walking help improve joint mobility.
- Physical therapy – Specific strengthening and stretching exercises.
- Healthy diet – Emphasize fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts; avoid processed foods.
- Rest and relaxation – Alternate activity with rest periods, practice stress reduction.
- Joint protection – Use assistive devices, proper posture and body mechanics.
- Weight management – Excess weight puts pressure on joints.
Making time for enjoyable hobbies and social activities also helps cope with the stress of chronic arthritis pain.
Outlook for arthritis sufferers
Living with arthritis all over the body presents daily challenges. While arthritis cannot be cured, the symptoms can be well-managed in most people. Early treatment helps prevent irreversible joint damage. Open communication with your healthcare providers is key to finding the right combination of medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and coping techniques to improve quality of life.
Conclusion
Arthritis affecting multiple joints throughout the body can negatively impact mobility, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. The pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue make daily tasks difficult. However, there are many effective medications and holistic approaches to control symptoms. With proper treatment, people with systemic arthritis can remain active participants in work, family, and social activities. While arthritis presents daily challenges, it does not have to prevent living a meaningful, productive life.