Joint pain that persists or worsens
Joint swelling
Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
Reduced range of motion
Warmth or redness around a joint
Tenderness when touching the joint
Difficulty using the affected joint
Symptoms lasting more than a few weeks
Pain in multiple joints
Fatigue
Blood tests for inflammation or autoimmune markers
X-rays to check joint damage
MRI or ultrasound to assess soft tissue and inflammation
Joint fluid analysis if swelling is present
Medical evaluation by a doctor or rheumatologist