Joint pain and swelling, mild itching

This past week I have had serious joint pain and swelling of the hands, feet, ankles and wrists.  I went to the doctor's and they did a comprehensive blood panel that showed the only issue was that my liver funtions were up.  He told me this was viral and would go away in a few days.  It's been a week and each morning I wake up with the same stiff, horrible feeling.  I can't move my hands (especially my wrists) without severe pain.  I limp downstairs and can't even make myself coffee because I can't hold anything.  I have a mild itching on my skin just about everywhere but it's not severe.  The blood tests did not indicate that Lyme disease was present but they didn't specifically test for it either.  I don't have any tick bites that I can see or any type of bullseye rash.  I did have a red blotchy rash on my arms, chest, stomach and upper thighs in the beginning but that seems to have disappeared.  Although I think I may see some traces of it coming back today.  If anyone has any answers, please, please, please help me.

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of your symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Your symptoms are unlikely to be neurologic in origin. While nerve problems can cause pain with decreased mobility, it sounds likey our restricted mobility is due to pain rather than weakness. Swelling in the hands and feet could be post-infectious, as occurs after a viral illness and is usually benign and resolves, sometimes it takes more than a week, sometimes a few weeks. However, rheumatologic problems like rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritic processes may need to be excluded. Continued follow-up with your internist is recommedned.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.