Symptom 2: Joint Pain
Joint pain is something many brush off, attributing it to age, the weather, or too much physical activity. However, when it comes to cryoglobulinemia, the discomfort felt is distinct. It’s not just an occasional niggle. It’s a persistent, nagging ache that refuses to fade.
One might initially notice a stiffness upon waking, a reluctance in the joints that takes a while to ease. Then, there might be discomfort during specific activities, like climbing stairs or even holding onto something. As days progress, this discomfort can amplify into full-blown pain, often affecting multiple joints simultaneously.
Interestingly, it’s not just the pain but also the accompanying symptoms that signal something is amiss. There might be visible swelling around the affected joint or even a noticeable warmth when touched. Such inflammation, paired with the pain, can make daily tasks cumbersome. (2)