Rather than a single condition, arthritis is a group of disorders that develop in vital bone and muscle joints affecting mobility and range of motion. Over a hundred different types of arthritis can develop in various regions of the body. However, most arthritis symptoms overlap with those of known progressive conditions, making it difficult to determine the exact source of such discomfort. However, one must avoid overlooking joint pain, a key symptom of arthritis. Here are the ways in which ignoring joint pain can worsen arthritis: Localized knee pain Knee pain is the most common type of discomfort reported by those with arthritis. So, it’s possible for many with the condition to ignore this symptom, thinking it is just a symptom flare-up. However, persistent knee pain, when a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, could indicate an internal injury. Weak muscles and bones can trigger hairline fractures that do not necessarily exhibit any symptoms other than persistent pain. However, leaving such fractures and injuries unattended can result in permanent damage to the limbs. Severe injuries may even require surgical intervention to repair the muscle tissue and provide structural damage to bone joints. So, one should not ignore any type of knee pain that persists over a few days.