Does this sound like arthritis?

[Chattycat78]

For the last week or so, I’ve been getting pain/stiffness in my hands which is worse in the morning. It’s at the top and sometimes goes as far as the wrist. I’ve also noticed a similar thing in one of my feet. I haven t done anything specific which would cause this, so I’m wondering if it’s the start of something like rheumatoid arthritis. I’m only 39 and I’ve got two pre schoolers so this really worries me!

Any chance it could be something else?

I didn’t mean to scare you chattycat, I know how you feel. I got myself in a right state googling everything. There are so many things this could be and most of them easily treatable. The only way to know what it is is by starting with your gp. I started on 6 steroids a day reduced by one weekly so it’s only intended as a short term fix while they decide the most appropriate medicine for you if indeed you need any, you may not. As for weight gain, I haven’t noticed anything. I have felt short tempered though but compared to the pain I was in that’s a small price to pay. Inflammatory arthritis is much more common than I realised. Please let us know how you get on, I’m still waiting for my results.