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What Causes Edema From Knees Down The Leg?
Question: 3 weeks ago, sudden onset of rash that appeared to be measles with headache and light sensitivity. Headache during same time. Had some nausea but did not vomit. 101-103 fevers. Then began to have swelling of bilat knees, ankles, and wrists. very painful to move or touch. Was tested for: Parvo, legionares, epsteine barr, lyme disease, rocky mountian spotted fever, rickesia, measles, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. All came back negative. Rash, fever, headache now gone. Still have some light sensitivity. 2+ edema from knees down. Knees, ankles and wrists remain swollen and tender. Can barely put weight on L knee/ankle R thumb is tender to touch. now have fatigue with SOA with exertion. I was seen by infectious disease and rheumatology. All agreed that it was viral. The fear of not knowing what it is, (and the fact that I cannot return to work) is becoming depressing. Does any of the symptoms sound familiar with any disease process that you are aware of?
Brief Answer:
may be viral or reactive.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It seems like a viral arthritis. Sometimes a similar presentation may be there with a reactive arthritis wherein a gastrointestinal or genitourinary infection causes a severe arthritis which is predominantly involves the lower limbs.
So although you are suggesting that no obvious infection was found, there is a possibility that this is a reactive process.
We control these symptoms with NSAIDs and sometimes glucocorticoids if obvious infection has been ruled out. However we need to wait and watch and see how the disease evolves. So I strongly insist you follow up with your treating physician as you try the pain killers + steroids.
Regards
may be viral or reactive.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It seems like a viral arthritis. Sometimes a similar presentation may be there with a reactive arthritis wherein a gastrointestinal or genitourinary infection causes a severe arthritis which is predominantly involves the lower limbs.
So although you are suggesting that no obvious infection was found, there is a possibility that this is a reactive process.
We control these symptoms with NSAIDs and sometimes glucocorticoids if obvious infection has been ruled out. However we need to wait and watch and see how the disease evolves. So I strongly insist you follow up with your treating physician as you try the pain killers + steroids.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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