Bilateral Hand and elbow pain

I have been diagnosed with cronic (chronic) bilateral hand and elbow pain by the NAVY.   I experience the feeling of weakness in my hands (although strength tests show that i'm strong).  I struggle to use hand tools, such as screw drivers, and have difficulty opening small objects like jars or soda lids.  Following exertion I feel as though my hands/wrists are bruised.  The cold is difficult to manage, I experience severe pain with any cold weather.  It feels like constant pressure on my elbows and tightness in my wrists which creates sharp sensations and numbness through my arm, thumb joint, and ring/pinky fingers.  I have had nerve conduction studies with normal results, RA screening (low level RA factors) and physical therapy and splints that didn't work.  I am predispositioned for RA (mother and great grandmother), but have been told that I don't have that following screening and xrays.  I have been living with this for 3 years with no answers and feel like there should be a reason.  Any insight?

[txsilver]

There are many different forms of autoimmune diseases that could be causing you issues.  Sometimes you test negative for something you do have and sometimes it is the other way around.  My suggestion is to keep searching and to change doctors as needed to get to a diagnosis.  I know it is exhausting and worse when you feel so bad already, but the effort that it takes will pay off in the end.  

[katee1973]

well as of about 2 weeks ago I have been experiencing the same symptoms, I am a 35 yo female, and I wake every night with severe pain in my hands, fingers, and inner elbows, i can best describe the feeling as a sprained feeling, feeling swollen, and like a pins and needles feeling, feeling stiff, swollen and hurting all day long, and worsening when my arms are in the same position for to long like when i am asleep. I have not seen a doctor yet for this, but will be soon, I would love to keep in touch with you and your findings on this issue.

[txsilver]

I am glad you are going to the doctor.  Your pains are impacting your sleep and your ability to function and definitely warrant further investigation.  We will help you along all we can.  I hope you can take a minute to look at the post regarding rheumatologist visits that is pinned to the top of the forum.  The information there should be very helpful to you as you start the diagnosis process.  I am glad you want to keep in touch and look forward to hearing more about how you are doing.  We will all try to help you all we can!

[khaos247]

Hello, I was wondering if you ever found out the cause of your problem, I am suffering the same symptoms and all tests so far have been normal. I am trying to dig around to find my own diagnosis to bring to my doctor since no one else seems to know whats wrong. thanks.