I have a 26 yr old son who injured his ankle in March of this year. What turn out to be inflamed ligaments that connect his leg and ankle right in the heart of the ankle. Now and for the past 3 months, he has severe joint pain in both ankles, both knees and his shoulders. Also inflammation in his right elbow and both has are swollen and he s losing his ability to grip things. Diagnosis is perhaps RA and we had an appointment 3 weeks ago, but he was not able to walk into the Dr s office, even on crutches. He s been given steroids both in pill form and injections, but nothing seems to work. He was also diagnosis with ITP in 2006 and I m mentioning this because in less than 4 weeks his pallets went from 504,000 to 615,000, but no particular infection has been found. Was tested for Sickle Cell, Lupus and Gout, but no positive results. He is now only taking Diclofenac, 1 pill daily. What do you think the problem could be. He can not walk without crutches and even with them it takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to get out and back into the house which normally would take 11 - 14 steps from his room to the vehicle which we park at the front door. Please any information would be greatly appreciated. My name is Gloria, my son is Shaun.