Dive Into Success: Master the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Exam 2025 – Make Waves with Confidence!

Joint pain and fatigue are common signs of decompression sickness (DCS), often referred to as "the bends." This condition occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at significant depths, leading to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream and tissues. These bubbles can cause a range of symptoms, with joint pain being one of the more characteristic manifestations. The pain often resembles that of a severe ache in the joints, particularly in the larger ones such as knees or elbows. Fatigue is also a common symptom, as the body struggles to manage the effects of nitrogen bubble formation and to recover from the dive.

Recognizing these symptoms is critical for divers, as early identification and treatment of DCS can significantly affect outcomes. Divers are trained to be attentive to these signs and to follow proper ascent rates and safety procedures to minimize the risk of DCS during their dives.