What Does Migrating Joint Pain Indicate?

Posted on Sun, 10 Sep 2017

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

Sun, 10 Sep 2017 Answered on

Mon, 9 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My joints have been painful and swelling and it keeps traveling. First, last week, it was my thumb which turned red, painful and swollen. It went away in a few days followed by my middle finger in the same hand, which was quickly followed by my right knee, then my left. Now the pain is gone from the right middle finger and it is traveling into my wrist. Both my knees are still swollen and painful, but it seems to be subsiding. I have an appointment with the doctor, but thought I'd search for some answers. Thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be rheumatic arthritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The migrating pain in the joints of the body is suggestive of rheumatic arthritis.
For proper diagnosis, some of the blood tests are advisable like-
1. Serum calcium levels.
2. Serum Uric acid levels.
3. RA factor
4. ESR and CRP
5. Serum Creatinine
6. X-ray of affected joints.
You need a thorough clinical examination followed by investigations under the guidance of an orthopedician.
Till then for symptomatic relief, you can take over the counter analgesics, do hot fomentation and apply local analgesic gel on the affected areas.

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (42 minutes later)

Thank you very much. I appreciate your help. I will make an appointment with my doctor on Monday morning.
Warmly, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You are most welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thank you.
I am happy I could help.
Please do recommend our services to others too in case you found them helpful. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Wishing you the best in whatever you do.
Best regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar