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Diagnosed Osteoarthritis. Constant Pain In Knee Joints, Elbows, Hips. Possible Fibromyalgia Or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Yes I am Looking for a new Doctor. I have been seeing a PA and feel that she doesnt take anything that I say into consideration... I had told her that i believed that i had Arthritis and she asked me a few questions . She then determined at that time that i didnt have it with out sending me to see a rheumatologist. I referred myself to one and found out I have osteoarthritis. That was 3 yrs ago and currently i am not seeing a rheumatologist at this time. I am always in constant pain in my knee joints, elbows, hips, etc... I also believe i have fibromylgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. I have told her several times and she always blows me off. I am for a lost of words and dont know what to do please help!!
Fri, 26 Jul 2013
Hello and welcome to HCM,
You have mentioned in your history that you are having constant pain in your knee joints, elbows, and hips.
It is quite evident from the history that there is involvement of big joints of upper and lower limbs.
Thus, you are suffering from a joint disease rather than chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.
In chronic fatigue syndrome, fatigue and pain is more generalized rather than localized to joints or any specific site.
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by fibrosis of sult tissues of the body leading to pain in the area affected.
You need to consult a rhematologist to look for the disease process involving the large joints.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease which affects knee joint most commonly.
The joints of upper limb are less likely to be affected.
Few blood tests and / or joint aspiration are required for look for other causes of arthritis.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja p Wahal
You have mentioned in your history that you are having constant pain in your knee joints, elbows, and hips.
It is quite evident from the history that there is involvement of big joints of upper and lower limbs.
Thus, you are suffering from a joint disease rather than chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.
In chronic fatigue syndrome, fatigue and pain is more generalized rather than localized to joints or any specific site.
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by fibrosis of sult tissues of the body leading to pain in the area affected.
You need to consult a rhematologist to look for the disease process involving the large joints.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease which affects knee joint most commonly.
The joints of upper limb are less likely to be affected.
Few blood tests and / or joint aspiration are required for look for other causes of arthritis.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja p Wahal
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Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
The preliminary management of osteoarthritis falls under the following categories-
* PHYSICAL THERAPY : The mainstay of treatment in the early case is physical therapy, which should be directed at maintaining joint mobility and improving muscle strength. Other measures, such as massage and the application of warmth, may reduce pain.
* LOAD REDUCTION : Protecting the joint from excessive load may slow down the rate of cartilage loss. It is also effective in relieving pain. weight reduction for obese patients, wearing shock-absorbing shoes, avoiding activities like climbing stairs and using a walking stick are worthwhile.
* ANALGESIC MEDICATIONS : Pain relief is important, Simple over the counter medications like acetaminophen is sufficient in most cases. If this fails to control pain, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be better.
* VISCOSUPPLEMENTATION : Hyaluronic acid injections given into the joint in prescribed dosages will give good short term relief in selected cases and helps in postponing Joint replacement surgery atleast for a year or two.
If all the above measures fail, then you may need TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
The preliminary management of osteoarthritis falls under the following categories-
* PHYSICAL THERAPY : The mainstay of treatment in the early case is physical therapy, which should be directed at maintaining joint mobility and improving muscle strength. Other measures, such as massage and the application of warmth, may reduce pain.
* LOAD REDUCTION : Protecting the joint from excessive load may slow down the rate of cartilage loss. It is also effective in relieving pain. weight reduction for obese patients, wearing shock-absorbing shoes, avoiding activities like climbing stairs and using a walking stick are worthwhile.
* ANALGESIC MEDICATIONS : Pain relief is important, Simple over the counter medications like acetaminophen is sufficient in most cases. If this fails to control pain, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be better.
* VISCOSUPPLEMENTATION : Hyaluronic acid injections given into the joint in prescribed dosages will give good short term relief in selected cases and helps in postponing Joint replacement surgery atleast for a year or two.
If all the above measures fail, then you may need TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
I find this answer helpful
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