What Causes Stiffness In Fingers And Creaking Sound In Joints?

Posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 30 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have stiffness in my fingers and the joints creak when moved. I can' t bend my right thumb finger. I have have swelling in the front inner part of both knees. And I have stiffness in my feet. And I don't have rhuematoid arthritis. What do you think it is?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can be osteoporosis with arthritis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have read your case and I think it can be arthritis and weak bone( osteoporosis) both. Since your ESR is high but Rheumatoid factor is negative , chances of osteoarthritis is high. But before I advise you any thing I want to know few detail about your illness.
1. Are you taking any medicines since long time?
2. Are you able to squat and use stairs with out pain?
3.Since when this joint pain and stiffness is present?
Please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you.
Thansk

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 days later)

I am not taking any medication. Only a little pain when I squat. And I have had stiffness for years . But I didn't have creaking in the joints until a month ago

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it can be seronegative arthritis

Detailed Answer:
I think you might be having seronegative arthritis. In this Ra factor is negative and patients has joint pain and morning stiffness. I would suggest you few investigations to confirm the diagnosis.
1.DEXA scan to see how severe is osteoporosis?
2.Anti CCP antibody
3.CRP test
Please get all these tests. It will help us in further management. If these tests come positive we can plan further management according to treatment of seronegative arthritis and osteoporosis.
I hope this answer will be helpful. Let me know if there is any questions. I am waiting for results of these tests.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj