Unexplained Joint Pain

I am 29 years old.  I have joint pain in various areas.  The main problem right now is on my left hand on my ring finger.  It is very painful.  I can't hold anything or bend my hand without it hurting.  There is also something sticking out the side of my finger next to my joint.  It has been xrayed and nothing is out of the ordinary.  I also have problems in other joints - my toes, my knee, my shoulder, and my ankle (those are the ones in recent times).  Sometimes it continues for days, like my finger is, while other times it will only hurt for a short time then move to another joint.  My doctor has checked for everything including arthritis, gout, lupus, among other things and doesn't know what is going on.  He was going to send me to a bone dr., but when my xray came back fine, he said the bond dr. would not have a clue.  He still mentioned me going to a rhemetologist, but if I don't have arthritis, I don't know how this would help.  Please help!!! I want to know what is wrong with me!!!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Chronic joint pain can be indicative of various rheumatological diseases, and your physician as suspected this already.  

Ensure than an ANA, rheumatoid factor, uric acid level as well as imaging the joints are done.  

If the symptoms continue, I agree with the rheumatology referral, as there are more specialized tests that can be done to evaluate the joint pain.

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.
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