5. Redness and temperature changes
This is another symptom associated with inflammation, just like edema. What happens is that inflammation changes the way circulation works. Inflammatory cytokines impair venous return and create vasodilatation in small arteries close to the skin. These small arteries are filled with blood, which changes the color and temperature of the skin. The color changes because it adopts the same color as the blood. The temperature increases because it adopts the natural temperature of the blood. Redness and temperature changes are limited to the affected articulation and immediately around it. It is a sign of inflammation and happens in other types of arthritis, too. Temperature changes are more evident during acute attacks. But even in chronic conditions, they can still develop.