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What Causes Painful Weak And Inflamed Joints With Negative Rheumatoid Factor Test?

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Posted on Fri, 24 Apr 2015
Question: I am 24, healthy weight, and my only diagnosed condition is fibromyalgia (diagnosed by a rheumatologist almost 8 years ago). I have treated my fibromyalgia primarily through exercise (yoga, pilates, focusing on strengthening my joints, using regular jogging endorphins to help me cope with the pain, etc.) and occasionally relying on small amounts of cannabis when the pain was particularly severe. I have a mostly healthy diet except that I drink excessive soda (it comprises about half of my daily liquid in take). For a little over a year now I have had painful, weak, inflamed, and occasionally hot joints that I attributed to my fibromyalgia (until recently I did not know fibromyalgia was non-degenerative and should cause only pain, not swelling). 6 months ago a friend bumped into my knee with a book and I felt such sharp pain I almost fainted, completely dizzy and disoriented. I went to the emergency room with a dramatically swollen knee, x-ray was clear, I was given a steroid shot to the knee and I recovered after a few weeks of physical therapy to strengthen the area around the joint. I mention this only because my severe physical reaction to such slight impact may be worth noting. Then a couple months ago, after taking anti-inflammatory OTC medicine to manage my swollen, painful finger joints (an almost constant problem now), the swelling surrounding my metacarpophalangeal joint went down and I discovered a large, bony hard and non-movable protrusion under the skin on the side facing my palm. I saw a Minute Clinic nurse practitioner at my local drug store who stated it was likely a bone spur and that I should see a rheumatologist. I made an appointment but even now I still have another month left of waiting. A couple weeks later I had severe pain in my underarms and hips and hot swelling in my lower back. I went to the emergency room thinking my coccyx was broken because the pain was so intense. The ER doc thought I might have some sort of early onset arthritis, but blood tests showed no indication of an immunological response. That said, she still suspected it to be some sort of arthritis and, again, I was recommended to see a rheumatologist. Just now, a couple weeks later, I found myself having pain and limited mobility with my left elbow. I found that I could not bring my wrist all the way in the direction of my shoulder. When I touched the inside of my elbow, to my revulsion, I felt a hard movable lump, a bit larger than a pea. My touching it shifted it slightly and now I have mobility in my elbow again, but I feel strong, throbbing discomfort. I do not now, nor have I ever had any discoloration or rashes or redness associated with this or any of my inflammation or pain. At this point, I am even more alarmed and confused about my body than ever and the wait until my appointment is even more difficult. Having explained as much relevant information as I could think of, do you have any explanations or recommendations for me to think on as I wait for my doctor's appointment?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You may have rheumatoid arthritis.

Detailed Answer:

Hi
Thanks for your query

I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar

I have gone through your query and understand your concern. By your description it seems to be some kind of arthritis particularly rheumatoid arthritis.But your blood reports are negetive ,in 20 percent of cases of rheumatoid arthritis cases rheumatoid factor comes negetive by rheumatoid factor test. Your second possible diagnosis according to my clinical sense is fibromyalgia. You are already waiting for appointment of rheumatologist, till then you can take analgesic such as ibuprofen for pain relief. Excercises will be of benefit. Vitamin B and C will be of help. I will also like to got your vitamin D level as its deficiency may be associated with such unexplained pain. If found low you can take vitamin D3 supplements.

You can discuss with your doctor about it.

Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you.

Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Sudhir Kumar

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1993

Answered : 3356 Questions

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What Causes Painful Weak And Inflamed Joints With Negative Rheumatoid Factor Test?

Brief Answer: You may have rheumatoid arthritis. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query I'm Dr Sudhir Kumar I have gone through your query and understand your concern. By your description it seems to be some kind of arthritis particularly rheumatoid arthritis.But your blood reports are negetive ,in 20 percent of cases of rheumatoid arthritis cases rheumatoid factor comes negetive by rheumatoid factor test. Your second possible diagnosis according to my clinical sense is fibromyalgia. You are already waiting for appointment of rheumatologist, till then you can take analgesic such as ibuprofen for pain relief. Excercises will be of benefit. Vitamin B and C will be of help. I will also like to got your vitamin D level as its deficiency may be associated with such unexplained pain. If found low you can take vitamin D3 supplements. You can discuss with your doctor about it. Hope your query get answered. If you have any clarification then I will be happy to help you. Wishing you a good health. Take care.