Could arthralgia be described this way ( question on rash)??

Without getting into my medical history, I have an autoimmune disorder of some sort (ANA of 1280, but no other specific markers for lupus)and am being evaluated by a rheumatologist (have also seen a neurologist).  

I have a lot of pain in joint areas, but no swelling, redness, etc.  The areas in my ankles, elbows, knees, and jaw ache and have a feeling of warmth like it is coming from inside, but not actually warm to the touch.  Whenever I've read about arthralgia or arthritis, I always see "warmth in the joints" as part of the description. Does this mean that literally the joints will be warm if you touch them, or does it also describe the feeling I have of just a warm, achy from inside kind of feeling? From previous posts, I don't think I am dealing with nerve pain, which was also a concern of mine (I want to pinpoint the type of pain so I can find the right treatment - I've been on numerous meds and none of them have dulled the pain).  I should also mention, I have NO pain on movement, it is pain that is there all of the time. Given the 'no literal warmth to touch' and the 'no pain on movement', can I still call this arthralgia?

The second part of my question - I had a skin biopsy done of a rash on my face which has since cleared. The results were that it was not indicative of an autoimmune reaction, but most likely eczema. Does the neg. skin test rule out lupus as a cause for my other symptoms, or is it still in the realm of possibilities and the skin rash is just something totally separate from my other problems?

Thanks for the input!

Cindy

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Arthralgia is simply defined as pain in the joint:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&hs=Fk3&lr=&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&oi=defmore&q=define:Arthralgia

It may be warm or not.  Cases of osteoarthritis for instance do not include a warm joint.  Infections arthritis ot gout can lead to warm joints.  Thus, with 'no literal warmth to touch' and 'no pain on movement', it is still possible to have arthralgia.

Regarding the skin biopsy.  Lupus is still possible and it may be that the skin rash may be a seperate problem.  Difficult to say without examination - I would suggest discussing this question with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

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