Arthritis? Something Systemic?

Updated on March 03, 2016
C.K. asks from Mission Viejo, CA
6 answers

Hi all, I have recently had some joint pain (been to the doctor once and she thinks I have osteoarthritis in my knee and possibly hands, but no visible damage on hand xrays).

She did blood tests as well and I have no signs of anything autoimmune and no obvious synovitis, so she says it's not RA (or Lupus, etc.) In the last few weeks since I have been to the doctor, I have developed new symptoms of muscle weakness (feels like my muscles are super sore after just doing something normal like walking up a hill a few steps or brushing my teeth), tingling and numbness in arms and legs as well as shooting nerve pain.

So right now, I have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve entrapment (in both arms), some shoulder pain, lower back pain, sciatica, tarsal tunnel syndrome in right ankle (numbness, itching, tingling on top of foot) and plantar fasciitis in the other foot (not new) as well as the knee arthritis.

I am going back to the doc tomorrow, but I am just so preoccupied with everything, I wondered if anyone had experienced anything like this. It seems pretty fast to come on like this to not be systemic - do I seriously just have osteoarthritis in TONS of joints that is resulting in neuropathy?

I know these can be symptoms of a wide range of things, like maybe a pinched nerve in my spine somewhere? I know sometimes it takes a while for things to show up and get a diagnosis. Anyway, has anyone had similar experiences or know what could be going on? Thanks!

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M.G.

answers from Portland on

Keep us posted - sorry you are going through this

I was going to say have you had an EMG done? That's a helpful test. My husband has carpel tunnel and also degenerative disk disease. He gets tingling, burning and weakness also. Usually in one arm and hand - he wears a brace at night to keep his wrist and hand in a position to minimize the tingling. Otherwise he wakes up.

Posture is a biggie.

I have a neurological condition. One of the things they ruled out early on was MS. I don't want to alarm you unnecessarily, because there are plenty of other symptoms of MS you don't mention. For me, I lost my vision so that's why they tested me for it. It shows up on an MRI.

I hope you get some answers today from talking to your doctor. Good luck :) wishing you well

2 moms found this helpful
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E.T.

answers from Rochester on

The muscle weakness, tingling, and numbness makes me wonder if they looked at the possibility of MS. Have you had changes in your eye sight? That would be another symptom of MS.

2 moms found this helpful
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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

Fibromyalgia is quite real, I assure you. I live with it.

2 moms found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

the joint pain is pretty common. the ol' man and i have been religious about taking osteo-biflex for the last few years, and it's really good (and needs to be, it's stupidly expensive.) skipping even a couple of days has bad results.
but the other symptoms are pretty worrisome. i'm glad you're going back to the doctor. it seems unlikely that common arthritis could cause all that. stay on him to help you figure it out.
khairete
S.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I have many of the things you mention here, plus migraines. There is also a strong history of autoimmune illnesses in my family. I just got diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I also have a vitamin D deficiency. Supplements are starting to help, especially with the fatigue. My joint and bone pain is also much better, but I still have bad days. I hope you get a clear answer soon and I hope you feel better soon.

1 mom found this helpful

C.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

Yes, you sound like me. I am 45 now and have been having most of these problems for the last 4 years or so. I have had to deal with bulging discs, pinched nerves, sciatia, and I have severe degenerative disc disease in my last disc of my spine (I've had several MRIs) I find that not sitting too much is a help. Use lumbar support in the car and at home. And I do my physical therapy EVERY day...it's like brushing teeth for me now. The physical therapy exercises have helped the most...more than anything else (injections, drugs). Don't look at a cell phone or use a computer too long...sit ergonomically correctly, do stretches to counteract looking down at a computer. Be careful not to sleep in the wrong position. Make sure you have a good mattress. I have moderate to severe arthritis in my back, knee, and I feel it occasionally in other places like my foot/hand/arm. I just live with it. If I can't sleep I take an ibuprofen. Staying active and doing PT daily is KEY. If you figure anything else out please share the info with me!

1 mom found this helpful
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