Serious Joint Pain. Help!

[hristina]

Hello,
I have a question concerning joint pain and swellowing of limbs (especially hands).
I am a 44 years old woman and for the past couple of months have been expressing
serious pain, in the morning, of my hands. They swell up and it is really painful.
They do not change colour, and nothing else hurts (except the hands). I went to
the doctor and she told to do an X-ray of my hands. She also said it could be
rheumatoid arthritis. I would like to have a second opinion and also advise on how
to minimise the extreme pain. Thanks a lot.

Christina B.

[Tuckamore]

Greetings Christina,

I'd like to welcome you to the Pain Management Forum of MedHelp also. There are many members here and we try hard to be informative and supportive.

I think Mollyrae has answered your question better than I can. I know pain well but I am lucky that my hands have not swollen since I had carpel tunnel surgery and went on a diuretic. Before the diuretic my hands were stiff and swollen and hurt to move but I am sure they were nothing like Mollyrae's or yours.

I agree that you should begin with a Rheumatologist. If your knuckles are especially painful arthritis is a good bet. Usually Chronic Fatigue syndrome or other similar conditions effect more joints and muscles than just the hands. But it may be possible that it could begin in the hands. Sometimes warm moist compresses will help ease the pain followed by simple finger exercises.

Please keep us posted and let us know how you are doing. Don't stop until you have an answer that you are comfortable with.  We look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Please take care of yourself, Tuck

[Mollyrae]

christina:

Hello and welcome to MH. I too suffer with your symptoms. I have severe muscle and joint pain especially during sleep and in the morning. Mine is in part due to an illness I have but not to the extent it is. I was diagnosed with Myalgia and arthralgia ( general muscle and joint pain). Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can also cause severe joint pain. I would make an appointment with a Rhumatologist and go from there.
Take care and good luck, Mollyrae