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Original poster

Is there ANY way to tell if I have arthritis, tendonitis or am just a stiff old bag?

30 replies

chuffingtellme · 03/10/2023 18:02

I've had issues in recent years with various joints. I had wrist and neck pain and stiffness and GP thought maybe arthritis and did the absolute full workup and no inflammatory markers at all so definitely not rheumatoid. I don't have psoriasis or other autoimmune.
More recently I have stiffness and pain in one big toe and slightly the other, one ankle and one elbow, with a bit of stiffness in the other elbow.
What I can't make sense of is how it comes and goes. At worst it can cause me to slightly limp, take painkillers and the elbow is painful doing normal things like lifting a cup. On other days it all recedes into the background and is only faintly there.
I am on HRT and this helped other symptoms but did nothing much for joints.
Everything I'm reading says either osteoarthritis or tendon issues.
But- if it is osteoarthritis and a fundamental issue with the joints, how can it change from one day to the next? If it is tendon issues, what the chuffing heck is causing it and what could I do differently?
I'm reluctant to go back to the GP because I don't think she will be able to give me a definite answer either.
Sorry if that's long. I'm just a bit disheartened as I properly blow dried my hair earlier and now my elbow feels like I've injured it. I'm only 45 and worried how I will be in 20 years at this rate.

OP posts:

catskittens · 03/10/2023 20:57

chuffingtellme · 03/10/2023 20:40

Thanks so much. There are so many amazing suggestions here I am going to make some notes and work through.
I don't find I'm that stiff so far. I'm stiff and slow walking down the stairs in the morning but I can do things like get in and out of the car no problem. The issue is more with pain on movement. I think I do need to try to get some x rays to see if the issue is with the joints at all.
I may not be moving enough and seizing up because of that. I know I really really need to focus on exercise.
@catskittens that sounds really tough. Is there any way you could access a local gym, even for the odd session, to sit in the sauna or something similar? It sounds like a bath would be amazing for you and I'm sorry you can't get in and out. Is there someone who could be on standby to help you, even if you went in wearing a bathing suit? I agree that showers just aren't as good.
Thank you all so much for the amazing suggestions.

Thanks op i once was in a jacuzzi and really felt the benefit pity cant have one in the garden lol

yes im thinking it might be worth looking at a gym

i hope you find some answers any pain can really effect day to day living i hope you find some answers and relief

mrwalkensir · 03/10/2023 21:16

Vitamin D helps with joints. Is there any possibility of some food-related issues? Fruit acids affect my joints....

Hercules12 · 03/10/2023 21:23

Op- I have psoriatic arthritis- bloods and X-rays all fine. Your symptoms sound similar to mine at that age. I would get to referral to a nhs or private rheumatologist who specialises in psoriatic arthritis. My health authority does an early arthritis clinic so I insisted on being referred there by my gp. A good rheumatologist can feel swelling.

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Hercules12 · 03/10/2023 21:24

also I have no psoriasis

Worldgonecrazy · 03/10/2023 21:30

I have osteoporosis in knees, wrists and fingers. I think it’s developing in my neck. It dies flare with the weather. I also know diet affects it so I eat an anti inflammation low glycaemic diet. Immobilising joints at night helps. I have noticed massive changes since I started exercising too -I do Caroline Girvan. Also arthritis U.K. have some good advice on their website. PMA helps too. If I’m having a rough day it causes a flare.

Im saving up for a sauna as that also helps, if you have space and a spare £3K you can get a decent one.

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