question about rheumatoid arthritis

[ny2125]

hello, a couple of months ago i started getting hand pain around the knuckles, fingers, and wrists.  the pain would vary in both hands and would feel like quick bursts of sharp pain.  so i saw an orthopedic who said it was probably overuse since i do a lot of weightlifting and golfing.  then i saw an neurologist who did an nerve and emg test.  all was fine, except for the nerve test it said i may have slight carpal tunnel.  i also had blood work like cbc, thyroid (which is a little underactive and am meds now), and cpk which was fine.  i also take meds for blood pressure (slightly high).  i am 32 yrs. old and i did ask all my doctors if what i could be having is arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.  none believed it was it.  the pain in the hands went away, and now came back a month later.  it is not constant and i can still do whatever activities i want w/out restriction.  my question, does this sound like arthritis or rheumatoid?  would a rheumatoid factor blood test tell much (i heard it is not the best indicator)?  just wondering if anyone can lend some advice.  thanks!

[pat8144]

RA presents classically with small joints first, hands and feet.  I have more problems with my back than my feet so the rule is not hard and fast, but it is pretty consistent.

My husband has leg pain starting at the back near the pelvis and just got a diagnosis of spinal stenosis.

[gipsyrose]

Do you think my father is expriencing arthritis too?He's feeling pain on his thigh or should I say on his pelvis part and the doctor prescribed him a mobic drug in which I think it's for RA too. Is there such thing as RA in the thigh?The xray result was normal though.

[Mic333]

Hi
I was interested in knowing how you changed your diet. My doctor feels that food is not a trigger. I disagree. I would appreciate any info. you have found that has helped. I have had RA for about 2 years. I am 45 years old. I would love to hear from you.

Thanks,
Mic333

[maggieiam]

I do have RA and after many trips to doctors and the hospital they did a blood test on me and I was told I had full blown RA. With the right meds and doctor it is controlable I changed what I eat and workout all the time.I'm trying to make sure the RA doesn't contol me so good luck and I hope you feel better

[wantlifeback]

the best test to determine if you have it is a bone scan..that is where they inject radio active substance and you go back in an hour to the x-ray.  this shows all the "hot spots" as they call it.  I do agree that if the pain goes away for a month it might not be RA.  I have had RA in my whole body for 11 years now but with the right meds it is controlable.  good luck and hope you feel better soon

[ronpaul4prez]

good luck, ny!

I don't think an x-ray will always tell you if you have arthritis. I remember when my mom was having pain in her ankles. they put casts on, and told her they had no idea, for over 2 years she had pain.  she had multiple xrays. she had to actually be standing to see the joint damage on film.

[George64]

Doctors can tell if you have arthritis just by an exray. It shows up quite plainly. Arthritis brings a fair amount of pain. It comes and goes but to stay away for a month does not signal arthritis to me. Usually it is fairly consistent