This is one of the most common symptoms of arthritis. Depending on the kind and intensity of the condition, there is debilitating pain experienced in affected joints of the body. Inflammation and pain usually worsens after strenuous physical exhaustion. In most types of arthritis, the main joints that are affected are those of your feet, hands, wrists, knees and ankles. Some people may also experience a sharp burning sensation in the surrounding areas of affected joints. 

Another most common complaint with arthritis is stiff joints. In fact, joint stiffness experienced after a period of inactivity is considered to be one of the most prominent signs of the onset of arthritis. Stiffness is more prominent after waking up in the morning and decreases as the day progresses and your movements become smooth. Stiffness also varies depending upon the type and intensity of arthritis that you are suffering from. In some forms of arthritis, stiffness lasts for half an hour while in other cases it may last longer. 

One of the possible signs of early onset of arthritis is a joint that is tender and painful to touch. Tenderness may sometimes be constant while other times it may come and go. Again, depending on the type of arthritis, joint tenderness is experienced in affected joints. For example, osteoarthritis is mainly experienced in the knees, the spine and the hands. 

If you experience limited range of motion in one or more joints, you could probably be suffering from arthritis. A limited range of motion makes it difficult to perform every day tasks and activities. It becomes difficult to engage the affected joint in any stretching or bending activity. 

Because of the inflammation associated with arthritis, there is apparent redness, swelling and warmth around the affected joint area. This is another prominent symptom of arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis that mainly involves the joints of your hands or feet. Sometimes, redness or swelling could also be a result of some other infection. 

Living with arthritis can be quite taxing because of the constant feeling of being ill. Most forms of arthritis bring with them flu like symptoms. People with this condition almost always have a persistent low grade fever. 

Besides excruciating pain and inflammation in the joints, arthritis is characterized by a general feeling of weakness and exhaustion. Fatigue is a prominent feature of any form of arthritis. It worsens after a strenuous physical activity and makes it difficult for the person to carry on with day to day chores and activities.