Osteoarthrits

[shirleyone]

I have osteoarthritis at the base of my right thumb. However several months ago when I first began feeling pain which affected varies everyday activities I was also experiencing aching knees, shoulders and ankles. My dr did a full blood count and ra test. As she has said nothing to me I presume these are all negative. Apart from my thumb which is grade 2 osteoarthritis. (x ray 6 months ago-no obvious sign of arthritis) the aching elsewhere went away.
However I have noticed that my other thumb is beginning to ache slightly. I put this down to using this instead of the injured hand. I have noticed that my knees are making strange noises, like squeeking, especially climbing stairs.
My questiond are-
Does osteoarthritis affects several areas?
Can it develop quickly?
I do not know if its relevant but I have dry eyes, and now need glasses for long distance, near distance and using the computer. (I never needed glasses other than for reading in the last few years)
I appreciate any information regarding my symptoms.
Thank you

[shirleyone]

Thank you so much for your reply.
I am in m y late 40's.
I am due to return to a follow up appointment in a few months for my thumb osteoarthritis. What questions would you recommend that I ask?
As I had no visable signs of osteoarthritis in my thumb x ray about 6 months before the latest one which revealed bone spur at base of thumb, grade 2. It seems that it has developed quite quickly.
Should I mention the past pains with knees, ankles and other thumb too. Is there anyway to determine if these are affected too? Before they become more problamtic, like my right thumb?
Sorry to ask so many questions. I would like to understand as much as possible.
Thank you.

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Shirley,
Thanks for posting the question.
Does osteoarthritis affects several areas?
Yes OA can affect many areas.It begins in the small joints and may lead to the multiple big joints.Generally age related OA is seen in joints which are either used a lot (fingers)  or are stressed up a lot (knee , hip)
Can it develop quickly?
RA develops more quickly as compared to the Age related OA.
I do not know if its relevant but I have dry eyes, and now need glasses for long distance, near distance and using the computer. (I never needed glasses other than for reading in the last few years)
This is an incidental finding, but you need to have check up with the Opthalmologist.
Feel free for more discussions,
Regards