<s>[INST] What symptoms should I look for? [/INST] The first stages of arthritis may be silent; mild cartilage damage typically has no symptoms. Arthritis is most likely to show up in hands and weight-bearing joints, including the knees, hips, spine, lower back, neck, and end joints of the fingers. But it's only when there is significant cartilage loss that you'll notice real pain and loss of joint function. If you have swelling, stiffness, or pain in your joints for more than 2 weeks, it’s time to visit your doctor for more arthritis information. "Many people assume that arthritis pain is just part of getting old and they have to put up with it. That's simply not true," says John H. Klippel, MD, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. By providing a diagnosis, pain-relieving medications, and valuable lifestyle information on exercise and more, your doctor can prevent further damage. If you don't take care of your arthritis now, cautions Klippel, you risk disability later on and the possibility of joint replacement surgery. Source: Prevention. Link: https://www.prevention.com/health/a20469909/answers-to-your-arthritis-questions/. Field: Rheumatology. Disease: Arthritis </s>