How on earth do I keep hurting myself?!!

[PurpleSapphire]

I generally have a lot of joint pain, no solid diagnosis yet, (partly my fault as I haven't followed up on it during covid, didnt think there was any point trying). Gp thought it was probably arthritis at the time.
It's in most of my joints but shoulders, elbows and knees are probably the worst. Tonight i've managed somehow to hurt my elbow so much I can barely bend my arm! I've not lifted anything heavy, all I did was pick up a pile of washing. It feels strangely tight and like something is..caught for want of a better word. It's the same feeling I get in my shoulders, they dont feel stiff, more like they're moving around too much if anything. This happens often, the slightest normal movement can set it off, does anyone have any ideas?

You need to see health professionals; people can't diagnose you online. Arthritis fits, but we can't confirm that.

You need to ask for a referral to a rheumatologist. They need to assess for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

I agree you need to see a rheumatologist, but I'd suggest looking into Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos too. A collagen defect means that you are more prone injuring joints, by doing very little. In my experience, low vitamin B12 can make collagen & joints weaker, as an inactivity, so if you're vegetarian/vegan, have had gastric issues, anaemia, recently had a baby, gas & air, etc you'd be at higher risk of this, so I'd suggest getting that checked by your GP too