Joint Pain

[health concern]

Dear Dr., I am 28 yrs old male, non smoker. 150lb. Got Ear infection and sinus infection June 8th, which was treated by Augmentine for 14 days had a protected sex with a CSW, but due to the redness of my throat and groin lymph nodes irritation (not more than 1 cm) and some similar symptoms got test for STD/HIV during week 5 after exposure and the results were negative. (Thank God) Although I was scared and very stress, during week 6 I started feeling different joint pain. but I am ignoring it and started exercising (only running about 3 miles every other day). randomly different joints hurts, sometimes fingure, sometimes knee, sometimes ankle, sometime the plam of hands. never had that before.sometimes I feel like my ribs, sometimes hips: if I imagine a horizental clock on my wase and the center to be my spinal cord and 12 is pointing the front pain is around 7 or 8. CBC was normal, I have taking a urine test as the last part of the STDs but the results are not back yet.  mainly I am consider bc of lymph nodes, although they are kind of gone but the joint pain now make me to be worried. Please help! my primary care doesn't seems to be very considerate and that makes me think they are more biz oriented than working under oath.    

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Persistent joint pain can be due to rheumatologic disease, or a manifestation of infection.

I agree with the HIV and STD testing.  The CBC also can help rule out infection.

If the symptoms continue, blood tests looking at the ANA level and rheumatoid factor can be considered.  

Imaging the affected joints can also be done to rule out structural damage or arthritis.

A referral to a rheumatologist can be considered if the symptoms continue.

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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