What Causes Stiffness In Knee And Shoulders Along With Pain In Arm?

Posted on Thu, 18 Jun 2015

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

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 Answered on

Wed, 8 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Recently, when I have woken up, I feel stiff knee and hands/shoulders. I get a weird feeling in my knee of left leg. I have had pain in my right arm as well, and my finger next to the little finger on left hand shakes when I extend my hand I noticed that recently. I am 21 years old, and when I was 10 I remember I had severe joints pain that affected my ankles, arms, shoulders and knees etc. But then the doctor prescribed me a medication and it went away after taking that. I am very paranoid, as I googled my symptoms and terrible things like motor neurone disease and MS comes up. I am very worried.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
MS and motor neurons diseases very unlikely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

In my opinion, you shouldn't worry too much about MS or motor neurons diseases.

Such scattered symptoms presentation, as you noticed by yourself, seems to be related more probably to joint diseases or arthritis.

It is important if you could find the name of the medication that Doctor prescribed when you were 10 years old, this helps in a correct diagnosis.

MS and motor neurons diseases present with other symptoms such muscles weakness and paralysis, fatigue, impaired vision, etc.

If the stiffness went away, or improved by movement, arthritis is very likely to be the diagnosis.

You should have blood tests about arthritis done and x-rays of the knee first.

A medical evaluation by your primary care Doctor is necessary too.

In mean time, you could use Ibprofen 3x400mg/ daily (if you're not allergic to it) to improve symptoms.

Ibprofen use serves as a diagnostic test too.

Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (42 minutes later)

thanks for the reply. I am a very paranoid person, after googling such symptoms like finger shaking, muscles stiffness it all came up as motor neurone disease.

Also is motor neurone disease common in 21 year old? Also what are symptoms of if.

thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Symptoms of MND start around age of 40 years.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Motor neurons disease is a rare condition that manifests with muscle wasting, weakness, fasciculations ( or involuntary spontaneous contractions under the skin), speech and swallowing problems, muscles cramps.

Typically symptoms of motor neurons diseases starts in early childhood and in adulthood around age of 40 years.

Hope I helped you. Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj