Joint pain, stiffness and weakness worsening over the past few weeks

[ProudPearl]

I was wondering if anyone is able to tell me from their own experience what I might be suffering from.

Before I start I will say- I'm calling my GP when they open on Monday. I'm just asking for people's thoughts really.

So for a few weeks now I've been having some pain in my joints, first my fingers, then my knees, sometimes my toes. It's not like an ache, like when you've overdone it, it's definitely a pain. Initially I kept checking my fingers for little cuts because it felt like I must have scraped my knuckles. But it does restrict my movement, more so in the mornings but sometimes for longer. Sometimes it comes on towards the end of the day. Sometimes it feels worse after I've been sitting still for a while in the evenings.

I also have pain in my biceps, like a pinching, and at times I have restricted arm movement.

I have recently recovered from a frozen shoulder so I was blaming that, but it's on both sides.

It's been really bad over the last day or 2, which is why I'm asking for advice really. The pain has spread to my back and sometimes my ribcage and chest. There's been times when I've struggled to take a full breath.

I feel generally delicate and weak. Like sitting on the sofa, the cushions hurt my back.

I know no-one can say what it is, and obviously I'm going to seek medical advice, but I'm kinda hoping someone will say "that happened to me, and it was this" just so I've got some ideas.

To avoid drip feeding- I'm overweight, size 18, no other medical conditions, reasonably active day to day.

Shameless bump!

I've been experiencing the same thing for over 6 months now. It initially started in my hands - diagnosis of carpal tunnel, then it spread to elbows and shoulders - diagnosis referred pain from the carpal tunnel. Then it spread to neck, jaw, knees, ankles and toes. GP keeps requesting blood tests which all show inflammation but are negative for rheumatoid markers so seem to be hoping it'll go away by itself. I've finally booked to see a private doctor as its most likely rheumatoid arthritis.
Do you have any family members with autoimmune conditions such as crohns? If so it could be the same thing, it was actually my daughters consultant who put me onto the diagnosis as autoimmune conditions run in families.
Either way get to your GP and get the ball rolling, good luck.

It sounds a lot like my experience of developing psoriatic arthritis, so I'd suggest considering inflammatory arthritis as a possibility.

Thanks both for your replies, and sorry to hear you've suffered as well.

I know that my grandmother had some arthritis, but I don't know what age she developed it and she's no longer with us to ask. I'm 46.

Interesting question about Crohn's! My mum has had some symptoms for years that I'm convinced point to Crohn's but her doctors don't agree...but can't give her any answers! She doesn't have the symptoms I'm having though.

Autoimmune conditions mean your immune system over active and is attacking things it shouldn't, could be anything, joints, bowel, skin (psoriasis), pancreas (type 1 diabetes) etc.

That sounds like my experience of developing rheumatoid arthritis. For a while they thought it was a post viral inflammatory arthritis that might go away on its own but it persisted so eventually I was diagnosed with ra. I’m okay now though with the right medication. I hope you get some answers soon

I have the same. Started with bilateral shoulder pain in October. Any sudden movements I had sharp pains. I went for physio and it did improve. But over the last few months most of my joints are sore. Probably first 30 mins after waking and if I sit too long. My hands are still and I feel swollen

i went to gp and got blood tests and inflammatory markers done. All ok. They have no answers and suggested perimenopause. The pain wakes me up.

waiting another consult as I struggle to put my bra on. Thankfully my partner helps

Have you recently been prescribed statins? They don't suit everyone.

Was going to say RA. Mine started in my shoulders, elbows and hands. Balls of my feet were also very painful too.

Dr did a blood test and checked, amongst other things, my CRP and Rheumatoid Factor, which were off the charts.

@foodlovefood I am definitely peri-menopausal, but not seen the doctor about it yet.

@Papyrophile I'm not on any medication at all.

I'm definitely feeling like rheumatoid arthritis is a possibility based on your replies and some googling. I'm going to have to get in with the GP.

Does anyone have any suggestions of how to cope while I'm waiting? I'm taking paracetamol and ibuprofen round the clock and today I'm really trying to rest (whilst also moving a bit so I don't seize up!)

Just to add, the morning stiffness and same after not moving is an important diagnostic element in autoimmune arthritis so be sure to mention that to your doctor.
I had high inflammation but no rheumatoid factor in my blood tests.

That's what I was thinking. Had to stop taking mine altogether. Lost a huge amount of muscle mass & tone, and became incredibly weak after a matter of only about a fortnight after the GP increased the dose. Aches & pains all over too.

You could be developing an inflammatory arthritis. It's good you're seeing your GP as you may need them to refer you to Rheumatology.

Sounds like RA to me too. My mum developed this in her mid 50s. She follows a very good diet though and despite a knee replacement has done quite well physically.

When you see your GP you can ask for prescribed painkillers and NSAIDs, plus a stomach protector (crucial when taking NSAIDs!).

Morning stiffness and stiffness/pain after rest are strong indicators for early inflammatory arthritis. Movement typically helps, but not too much, and finding a balance is hard!

I had these symptoms after doing a garden project around 4 years ago...I kept taking ibuprofen and paracetamol to no effect. GP referred me to X-ray and my hips were showing signs of osteoarthritis. Which explained the pain. I am taking dihydrocodeine and paracetamol daily for the pain. It never leaves me. I now have nodules on my fingers. These have just shown up in the last few months. Both my parents have osteoarthritis.

Good luck with your GP appointment on Monday. Hope you get your pain managed well. Don't suffer in silence.

I literally feel your pain. 35yrs. I have centralised pain syndrome. Ask your GP about it.

@ProudPearl the GP did lots of blood tests, including inflammatory markers. All normal.

now got another appointment as they think it may be perimenopause. See what happens.

In this heat I think many are suffering tight knees, ankles and fingers. It might be due to fluid retention and heat makes swelling worse.

I have psoriatic arthritis and this does sound similar

I've got osteoarthritis too. Mine is on right side of neck, right shoulder, lower back and both knees but left one is worse. I'm on codeine and Nefapam. I've recently had a cortisol injection to my left knee and the swelling is definitely reduced and pain not so bad. GP told me I can have another injection in same knee in 3 months time.

It sounds like rheumatoid arthritis. Do you have flare ups? Mine started when I was 30, was unbearable. Now 30 years later it has more or less burnt itself out and I'm left with some swollen knuckles and dodgy back. I guess I'm lucky, so not all doom and gloom .

I also have PsA and felt the same, currently off my meds and feelings are coming back
ask for naproxen for inflammation help, you could try tumeric supplements. Good luck with diagnoses and push for a referral to rheumatology