Osteoarthritis or RA?

[Strype]

I'm a 29 year old male. In 2006 I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee after an exam by an Orthropedic Doctor. He is a very fine doctor and very smart.

The problem is that now many joints are hurting. My knuckles (on fingers not on hands), my elbows and both of my knees are hurting. It's been going on for about a 3 days. My elbows just started hurting then. I have a family history of RA.

My doctor told me that the knee he looked at was for sure Osteoarthritis. Can this cause my symptoms? Can multiple joints hurt bilaterally with this for of arthritis?

As far as I know my joints are not swollen much at all. I have also had problems with Temporal Mandibular Disorder though I've never seen a doctor about it. My ears will hurt at night and my jaw is stiff and painful.


Thank you,

Jon

[txsilver]

Glad you are going in.  I understand about the needles, I was the same way but now I give myself shots once a week.  One key is to not look.  just close your eyes or turn away.  I would also suggest you not go in without having eaten something.  I am glad you feel great.  That is an excellent sign and I hope that you will continue to do so!  Your best chance is to get in and find out early, before you start to feel bad.  
Please keep us posted!

[Strype]

Thanks.

I guess it's time I man p and get tested. I'm a needle phobe! I have an appointment in 2 weeks. I feel fine now but I cannot just erase the pain I was in for a week. My knees are week as usual but I feel great. However I know something isn't right.

[txsilver]

Hi!  I did not have traditional symptoms of RA either, but I have it (among other things.)  With a family history of RA and pain in several bilateral joints, it is time to get tested to see what your RA factor, SED rate and CRP are in your labs.  It may be osteo in your knee, but you could still have RA in other joints.  (Yes, you can have more than 1 kind of arthritis.)    That said, it is also possible that there is another reason your joints are hurting.  Either way it should be investigated.
With family members afflicted, you know the key to the best prognosis is early detection.  If your doc does not want to pursue the tests, see another doctor who will.
Let us know what you find out.