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Do Knee Joint Pain And Swelling In Ankles Suggest Rheumatic Fever?
Question: Approximately 2 weeks ago, I developed an itchy, bumpy rash on my upper back, shoulders, neck, as well as behind my ears. The rash went away within a week or less. After the rash, I developed some slight pain in my right knee. The pain only occurs when I squat down/up. I've had no pain in any other joints. A few days later, I had mild swelling in my ankles. I'm not sure how long the swelling had been present, but it went away about three days after I observed it.
I just visited my primary care physician, and he mentioned the possibility of rheumatic fever. Does this seem like a valid assumption? I have had any overt signs of a strep infection ie sore throat, fever, swollen glands.
CORRECTION: The last sentence in my description should state that I have NOT had any overt signs of a strep infection.
I just visited my primary care physician, and he mentioned the possibility of rheumatic fever. Does this seem like a valid assumption? I have had any overt signs of a strep infection ie sore throat, fever, swollen glands.
CORRECTION: The last sentence in my description should state that I have NOT had any overt signs of a strep infection.
Brief Answer:
Rheumatic fever
Detailed Answer:
good evening
thank you for writing on health care magic
Well I don't think it is rheumatic fever
it is very unlikely to happen. at your age in the first go. But never the less. considering rash and joint swelling, we should investigate it further to know what's happening... I would like to know a few queries before advising a few tests:
1. do you experience any oral ulcers or hair fall?
2. Any history of fever at the onset or couple of weeks prior to the rash?
3. What sort of rash was it...like maroon red or one which fades away on touch? was it itchy?
4. when you had ankle swelling, was it painful or you incidentally noticed it..
5. any blood tests done yet?
Do let me know these queries. would guide you further from here
regards
dr naval
Rheumatic fever
Detailed Answer:
good evening
thank you for writing on health care magic
Well I don't think it is rheumatic fever
it is very unlikely to happen. at your age in the first go. But never the less. considering rash and joint swelling, we should investigate it further to know what's happening... I would like to know a few queries before advising a few tests:
1. do you experience any oral ulcers or hair fall?
2. Any history of fever at the onset or couple of weeks prior to the rash?
3. What sort of rash was it...like maroon red or one which fades away on touch? was it itchy?
4. when you had ankle swelling, was it painful or you incidentally noticed it..
5. any blood tests done yet?
Do let me know these queries. would guide you further from here
regards
dr naval
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your reply, doctor. To answer your questions:
1. No hair loss. I do have two painful mouth ulcers on one side of my mouth. One is situated where my upper gum meets my cheek, and the other is located on my lower gum in a similar place.
2. No history of fever at the onset of the rash or prior to it. If I did have a fever, I didn't notice it.
3. The rash was itchy and consisted of raised bumps the size of a pinhead or smaller. It wasn't a maroon color. It was more flesh-colored or pink around the bumps.
4. I noticed the swollen ankles incidentally one evening. No pain was associated with it. My doctor said the swelling was very minor; a "0.5" on a "1-4" scale.
1. No hair loss. I do have two painful mouth ulcers on one side of my mouth. One is situated where my upper gum meets my cheek, and the other is located on my lower gum in a similar place.
2. No history of fever at the onset of the rash or prior to it. If I did have a fever, I didn't notice it.
3. The rash was itchy and consisted of raised bumps the size of a pinhead or smaller. It wasn't a maroon color. It was more flesh-colored or pink around the bumps.
4. I noticed the swollen ankles incidentally one evening. No pain was associated with it. My doctor said the swelling was very minor; a "0.5" on a "1-4" scale.
Brief Answer:
is it viral
Detailed Answer:
Good evening
Thanx for answering the queries
Well, it seems like a Viral infection vs Autoimmune condition. But since it has been only 2 weeks, it is hard to say it is autoimmune condition since they dont present so acutely. Any viral infection can present like this which subsides over time.
but never the less, just incase it is a beginning of autoimmune condition( rashes, ulcers, and joint swellings) we should evaluate it further. Kindly get these tests done:
1. ESR
2. CRP
3. Complete blood count
4. ANA( IFA)
5. Rheumatoid factor
6. Urine routine
If it is viral it will go off...Or else we will know with these tests what more can be expected to happen ahead
I hope the information is usefull
DO let me know for more queries
REgards
Dr Naval
is it viral
Detailed Answer:
Good evening
Thanx for answering the queries
Well, it seems like a Viral infection vs Autoimmune condition. But since it has been only 2 weeks, it is hard to say it is autoimmune condition since they dont present so acutely. Any viral infection can present like this which subsides over time.
but never the less, just incase it is a beginning of autoimmune condition( rashes, ulcers, and joint swellings) we should evaluate it further. Kindly get these tests done:
1. ESR
2. CRP
3. Complete blood count
4. ANA( IFA)
5. Rheumatoid factor
6. Urine routine
If it is viral it will go off...Or else we will know with these tests what more can be expected to happen ahead
I hope the information is usefull
DO let me know for more queries
REgards
Dr Naval
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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