Would these symptoms be caused by Osteoarthritis

[pebby]

I have been going to the Dr.  repeatably over the past 2 years with the following symptoms.  In my last visit, she pointed out to me that in my c-scan in 2004 I had moderate osteoathritis in my spine and I went for another shoulder and neck xray to see if this could be causing the problems. I am a 44 year old female PE teacher and she felt this had shown up at a young age.  I have played many sports and had minor injuries. I will have to wait for the x-ray resullts because I am in a remote area and they read tests once evry 2 weeks or so.   In the meantime I am wondering if these symptoms are indicative of this and what you would suggest I do to releive pain and if there is any over the counter medication that would help?

Constant fatigue, seem to need to nap 2-3 times daily  real problem as I teach daily and can, at times barely stay awake)
Neck and shoulders ache daily
Left arm daily feels like being squeezed most days
Feet swollen when I wake every morning
Joints and muscles ache at night
Wake up frequently
pain walking upstairs radiates from neck to arm
Cramps in calves-at least 1/2 weekly
Hip pain every night and can be severe, mostly left but can be both
Lately I have been having pain in my right ribs

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It would be unlikely for osteoarthritis to present with this many symptoms.  

You may want to look at a more systemic disorder - including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus or other rheumatological disease.  

Blood tests looking at the ANA level and rheumatoid factor can be considered.  Imaging the spine with an MRI can be done to evaluate for any nerve compression.  

A referral to a rheumatologist can be considered to evaluate for the aforementioned conditions.  

An orthopedist or physiatrist can be consulted to evaluate the spine.  

These options can be discussed 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.
kevinmd_

[angelJoy]

I forgot to add that I have a slightly eleavated ANA 160, I think and was referred to a rheumatologist for rhumatoid arthritis, which he ruled out with a quick touch your toes type exam, but he must not have noticed in my records about my c-scan, and he gave me an anti-depressant because he said my muscles and joints are restless in the night as I am not in a deep enough sleep.  It has helped some but not with the hip pain or neck and shoulders.

[angelJoy]

My ANA was slightly elevated but I have had a consult with a rheumatologist which ruled out rheumatoid arthritis.  Thank-you for your suggestions.

[newfie11]

Have you been checked for hypothyroid. I had all these symptoms.
Good luck.
Newfie11

[dpblonde]

Did you resolve anything yet?

[FloridaSunshine]

You are not alone, I am 58 about 3 yrs ago I started having your symtoms.
I went to all the doctors mentions had all the tests. Nothing found.

The Rib Pain worried me the most.  I eventally got stomach pain along with the rib pain and went to ER> It turned out to be Stomach ulcers. Once I got treated for it with meds it went away. So maybe a imflamed stomach can cause the rib pain.  
I also have Degenerative DIsc Pain in back and neck. Osteroarthritis and DD pain is causing this. I also have narrowing of forminal causing the buttocks pain. I have the fatique which I think is FB. I still have lots of pain, but am afraid of the SHots in the spine.
I am relieved all test came back normal. but I still have the problems. and a few i did not mention.  

Gail