What Is The Cause For Pain And Stiffness In Shoulders And Knees?

Posted on Sun, 29 Dec 2013

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

Sun, 29 Dec 2013 Answered on

Thu, 16 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been having pain in my shoulders, knees and stiffness and pain in both hands and my grip seems weaker. I would like a second opinion

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Undergo few blood tests. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. Seems you are suffering from multiple joint pain - Polyarthritis with stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common causes for Polyarthritis. I would suggest you to get yourself examined by an Orthopaedician for multiple joint pains. You would be asked to undergo few blood tests like Hb, RBS, TLC, DLC, ESR, RA factor, CRP and Thyroid profile along with routine urine examination. These investigations will help us find out the exact cause. Discuss with your doctor. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care

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

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (32 minutes later)

I had an ESR-21, ANA-neg, CRP was normal. Still waiting for my RF test. I have hypothyroidism but it is normal range. My rheumatologist seemed to blow off my symtoms as osteoarthritis. I am just concerned because i feel so tired and miserable with pain. He thought i should stop all my pain medications because they probable wouldnt work but I have a hard time functioning with all of my pain. That is why I am asking for your opinion

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (11 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please let me know the following. Detailed Answer: Hi, To allow me to help you better, please let me know if you also have any of the following complaints: Pain and stiffness that last for more than an hour upon arising Bilateral symmetrical involvement of hands and feet joints Hand joints and feet joints that are warm and tender to touch History of viral illness like chikungunya. Flu-like feeling Finger and toe joints that "creak" when moved; this is called crepitus Deformities in finger and toe joints Fatigue that is not easily resolved Presence of malar rash and photosensitivity Presence of raised patches or lesions of dead skin cells (psoriosis). Also let me know your age.

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

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (7 hours later)

No dry patchy rashes. I seem to get a faint red raised slightly itchy rash on my face off and on. I dont think it makes a difference if i am in the sun or not. I do have a lot of fatigue. I have a lot of trouble making it through my day at work due to fatigue and pain. I am 45. I have noticed occasionally that I have some crepitus in some of my joints. I know i have arthritis in my right foot, right hip and one of my ribs because I had a bone scan a year ago. Because I have had some back problems for a few years. I have had bilateral hand pain and stiffness in the morning which is what is concerning me. My hands ache whenever I use them for anything for awhile. And i cant grip things like I used to be able to do

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (17 hours later)

Brief Answer: Suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis. Detailed Answer: Hi, Your symptoms are very much suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis. Wait for RF test report. After confirming the diagnosis, you have to be started on medication called disease modifying anti rheumatoid drugs(DMARD) alone or in combination with biologicals (Immunomodulators). You also need regular exercises to preserve joint mobility and maintain muscle strength.

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

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (3 hours later)

My rheumatoid factor came back negative. What else do you think could cause these symptoms? I am so miserable.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Go for anti-CCP antibody test. Detailed Answer: Hi, I suggest yo to go for anti-CCP antibody test after discussing with your doctor. Anti CCP antibody is more reliable than Rheumatoid factor in diagnosing Rheumatoid arthritis. Anti CCP test can accurately diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis at a very early stage as compared to rheumatoid factor.

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