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What Causes Sensitive Feet, Joint Pains And Rash On Chest?

Posted on Sat, 4 Oct 2014

Question: I was not sure whether to ask a rheumatologist or infectious disease person. My 21 year old son who is at college has had this weird thing for 2 1/2 weeks, going on 3 weeks. Started with very sore/sensitve feet, and mow he gets intermittent pain in different joints, notably the wrist, knee and ankle. Advil helps. He also has had a rash on his chest and back which does come and go. About 4 days ago it was almost all gone and he felt better. Then he ran 1 3mile race and played tennis and now for the passed 3 days he is back to where he was before. he saw an infectious disease person who ruled out lyme (a test was done) His initial CBC was normal. He is waiting for the results of more tests for viral markers and bacterial. He does not really feel sick, or overly tired. He is able to go to classes etc. His appetite is fine. Any thoughts on what it sounds like. His joints do not appear to be swollen even though they ache and they are tight. Walking helps loosen them a bit.

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
? cause

Detailed Answer:
Good evening sir. Thank you for writing on health care magic.

I have gone through your history. Considering the issues you have mentioned: intermittent arthralgia, rash which comes on and off, numbness in the feet and tightness of the joints, it could very well be something related to autoimmune disorder. The possibility of infection looks less likely here.

However as the duration is only 3 weeks ,,we need to observe him over time. I would suggest you to get some.inflammatory markers checked like rf. Esr, crp, Anti CCP antibody and vitamin D3 levels checked

1. Is he experiencing any back pain or neck pain as well

2. Did he experience any loose stools or fever prior to the pains which have started

You can get a few tests done ,so we are sure of what's happening.

Do let me know for more queries. Would be happy to help you out here

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (10 hours later)

auto immune-does that mean it is fatal? Can they usually be treated? No loose stools, some intermittent pain in back, none in neck that I know of. yes he has a bit gf a low grade fever on and off low grade fever, which has gone away. Do you think possibly Rh arthritis or Lupus Are there others? Can they be treated? If ll of his tests come back negative today, what would you recommend the next step be?

But he does not feel sick and is carrying on with classes, walking etc. Is he dying?
I am so s scared.
Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
? cause

Detailed Answer:
Oh XXXXXXX dont worry. It is not that serious, neither is he dying

Autoimmune processes are those which can occur due to an some trigger which can disturb the immune system for a while. Since he is getting intermittent pains and rashes, it is always better to rule it out at initial stages as the disease control is better. Even if it is present, there are medications to control it. Though they go on for a long time but once the disease gets control we taper the medications as well.

You dont need to be scared at all, i can assure you. But it is always better to diagnose a condition early. Good that you approached a doctor at early stage. Lot of people tend to delay it.

Do let me know your blood tests. and try to take it easy. If you get worried, your kid will get even more worried. We will go step by step and help conclude a diagnosis.

Take 3 deep breaths and relax

Regards

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

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