Halcyon Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 I don't know quite what's going on. My finger joints, wrist joints, elbow joints and knee joints became painful sometime on Sunday...so four days of pain. I can't grip things tightly with my fingers, and washing dishing (scrubbing with force) is hard. I can't get my wedding ring on because my fingers are swollen--not horribly so, but a bit. Initially, I thought the pain was because I did a machine at the gym and put too much pressure on my arms and hands (you know the machine that looks like an escalator--steps going down that you step on, like a Stairmaster but harder? that's the one I did) But I had done the exact same machine 3 days prior with no discomfort. And why would this last for four days now? I had to ice my hands and knees last night, but it didn't really help that much. I have no idea what this could be. I am going to give it until Monday and hopefully it will go away and just turn out to be weird soreness from working out (and I am in good shape! I work out a fair amount, so that's what's odd) Any ideas appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted April 18, 2012 Author Share Posted April 18, 2012 anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyBC Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Some sort of arthritis flare is the first thought that comes to mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 I would see an arthritis specialist and your doctor asap to prevent any damage.:grouphug: Also ask for a lyme's disease test just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snickelfritz Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Could it be a food problem? Diet soda causes joint problems for me. I've researched a bit and it is either the soda (causes uric acid crystal build-up) or the diet (artificial sweeteners.):). I don't drink regular soda or use artificial sweeteners in other items, so I haven't used a process of elimination to narrow it down. Because it is generalized (both hands, both wrists, both hips, etc...) it seemed to rule out many issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted April 18, 2012 Author Share Posted April 18, 2012 Thanks. I don't drink diet soda, and began a gluten free diet 5 weeks ago to address IBS. My ankles also hurt, and that's been for longer, about 2 weeks. Ugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted April 18, 2012 Author Share Posted April 18, 2012 I would see an arthritis specialist and your doctor asap to prevent any damage.:grouphug: Also ask for a lyme's disease test just in case. I think I will wait a few days to see if it goes away.....thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCoffeeChick Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 My joints get like that when my thyroid medicines need adjusted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted April 18, 2012 Author Share Posted April 18, 2012 My joints get like that when my thyroid medicines need adjusted. so it could be thyroid-related? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 I can't offer advice, but I hope you feel better soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted April 18, 2012 Author Share Posted April 18, 2012 I can't offer advice, but I hope you feel better soon! Thank you. It's just so.....odd :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Yes, thyroid conditions can cause arthritis but unless you know that you have a thyroid condition, the first doctor to see is a rheumatologist. A good rheumatologist will test you for all sorts of things while checking you out- thyroid being one of them. You won't be diagnosed with something like rheumatoid arthritis until you have it for six weeks anyway. Joints can swell from viruses too which is why the six week wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Yes, thyroid conditions can cause arthritis but unless you know that you have a thyroid condition, the first doctor to see is a rheumatologist. A good rheumatologist will test you for all sorts of things while checking you out- thyroid being one of them. You won't be diagnosed with something like rheumatoid arthritis until you have it for six weeks anyway. Joints can swell from viruses too which is why the six week wait. :iagree: My legs, feet, and hands swelled up out of nowhere a couple of years ago while on vacation. I assumed it was related to the extra walking (we walked all day for 9 days, which is not typical for me), and the swelling continued after I got home and rested, so I went to my doctor who sent me to rheumatology. I have a connective tissue disease, but he cannot figure out which one, but the imflamation in my joints is related to that. I hope you feel better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 I would see an arthritis specialist and your doctor asap to prevent any damage.:grouphug: Also ask for a lyme's disease test just in case. :iagree: Have you been in any areas of the country where Lyme's is prevalent in the last couple of years? DS13 was finally diagnosed with Lyme's 2 years after he was exposed, due to joint problems which were originally diagnosed as juvenile arthritis. It's very uncommon out here, so most of the doctors didn't even think to test for it. The rheumatologist finally thought to test for it after he found out we'd been in rural PA & NJ two years ago (and even then he ordered the wrong test :glare:). Anyway, Lyme's is one of those diseases where "better safe than sorry" definitely applies — the longer it goes undiagnosed the harder it is to deal with. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCoffeeChick Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 so it could be thyroid-related? Absolutely. I figure a quick trip to your normal doctor for a pretty routine blood test is quicker, cheaper, and easier to do than to get into a rheumatologist. :) Hopefully it is something benign and will go away soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jcebulak Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Hello, have you had your thyroid tested with a home testing kit? Sometimes the tests that the doctors order are not as accurate. It's easy to test in the comfort of your own home. I read about it on a canary club websites. Have a thyroid that is out-of-whack can cause all sorts of health problems. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 The two things that came to my mind were Lyme's Disease and psoriasis. Do you have psoriasis? My brother has flare-ups of swollen, painful joints that are related to his psoriasis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted April 19, 2012 Author Share Posted April 19, 2012 The two things that came to my mind were Lyme's Disease and psoriasis. Do you have psoriasis? My brother has flare-ups of swollen, painful joints that are related to his psoriasis. Thanks. No psoriasis. Thyroid has been sugested to me, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, which is linked to bowel issues (which i have). I dnt really have other thyroid issues, but i do have other RA issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Vixen Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Hi, Have you looked into Reactive Arthritis? I don't know much about it but some of your symptoms sound like it. I would start with your primary doctor and see if he/she thinks a visit to a Rheumatologist is warranted. In some areas it could take you 3-6 months to get an appointment with one so it could be a long wait. I hope you feel better soon :grouphug:! Marisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Lymes disease??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 (edited) Have any of your kids had Fifth's disease lately? Arthritis-like symptoms are how it presents in adults. Edited April 20, 2012 by DianeW88 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted April 20, 2012 Author Share Posted April 20, 2012 I dnt think it is Lyme....just because i have not seen a bite on my body.....my grAndma and a good friend both had it, though, so it's on my radar. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted April 20, 2012 Author Share Posted April 20, 2012 Have any of your kids had Fifth's disease lately? Arthritis-like symptoms are how it presents in adults. Nope. No Fifth's Disease here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erinjo Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 I have rheumatoid arthritis. It does sound like one of my flares, although my flares never were that bad when I first started showing symptoms. For your sake, I hope that's not what it is. But I agree that it might be worth your time to contact a rheumatologist and see how long it would take you to get in. I often have to wait a month or longer to get in with mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Thanks. I don't drink diet soda, and began a gluten free diet 5 weeks ago to address IBS. My ankles also hurt, and that's been for longer, about 2 weeks. Ugh. This is one of the first signs of Lyme Disease. Get checked. You may never see a tick, but still.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristinaBreece Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 My mom has, and my grandmother had, Rheumatoid Arthritis. My mom was just diagnosed a few weeks ago. It was mostly affecting her first two fingers on both hands. I hope that's not what you're facing. I'll be praying for you! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Thanks. No psoriasis. Thyroid has been sugested to me, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, which is linked to bowel issues (which i have). I dnt really have other thyroid issues, but i do have other RA issues. Oh, if you have other RA issues, I'd say the chances this is related are pretty darn good. (What an odd usage of "good" :001_huh:.) Call the rheumy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lea1 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 This happened to me once a long time ago. Woke up one morning and couldn't put my shoes on because my feet were so swollen, couldn't put my rings on either. It was also very painful and I felt like a 90 year old when trying to climb stairs or get up out of a chair. They tested me for lots of things and never did figure out what had caused it. I had a bite on my stomach though so they chalked it up to some kind of spider bite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deacongirl Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 :iagree:Have you been in any areas of the country where Lyme's is prevalent in the last couple of years? DS13 was finally diagnosed with Lyme's 2 years after he was exposed, due to joint problems which were originally diagnosed as juvenile arthritis. It's very uncommon out here, so most of the doctors didn't even think to test for it. The rheumatologist finally thought to test for it after he found out we'd been in rural PA & NJ two years ago (and even then he ordered the wrong test :glare:). Anyway, Lyme's is one of those diseases where "better safe than sorry" definitely applies — the longer it goes undiagnosed the harder it is to deal with. Jackie :iagree::iagree::iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymonster Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 This isn't a very interesting guess, but I had the exact same issue a few weeks back. I was severely dehydrated due to a bunch of wacky issues. In any case, once I was re-hydrated, my joints felt better and the swelling went down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 I dnt think it is Lyme....just because i have not seen a bite on my body.....my grAndma and a good friend both had it, though, so it's on my radar. Thank you. It is my understanding that the rash does not present in everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 If you've been on a GF diet, could you have had an accidental (or not so accidental :tongue_smilie:) exposure? After I discovered that gluten is a problem for me, I cut back on it severely. Now, when I fall off the wagon, I develop inflammation in my finger, shoulder, and elbow joints. After a week of being GF again, the inflammation goes away. But it was never a problem before I took gluten out of my diet in the first place. I hope you can pinpoint the cause. It's definitely no fun at all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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