Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Joint pain

Hello Doctor, for at least 5 or 6 years, I have been experiencing intermittent redness, swelling, and pain in my finger joints.
Every joint in all ten fingers has been affected at some point, and sometimes 2 or 3 areas hurt simultaneously.
Typically, it starts with redness and swelling, followed by extreme pain, and I can only bend my fingers to about half of their normal range.
The symptoms usually last for about 2 to 3 days before subsiding.
I have had my uric acid levels tested, and they are within the normal range.
I am unsure what could be causing this pain and how I might prevent or treat it.
Additionally, since middle school, I have noticed that I cannot touch my shoulders with my hands like others can; without external pressure, my hands are at least 5 centimeters away from my shoulders.
I also cannot bend my legs back to touch my buttocks.
In the past, if I maintained a fixed position for half an hour, my elbow and knee joints would hurt and become stiff, making it difficult to straighten or bend them.
Although I haven't been doing anything specific to control this, the pain has improved recently; however, my hands and feet still cannot reach as described.
I have wondered if this is related to my development or if there might be an issue with my musculoskeletal system.
Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to respond.

yichiung, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/03/12

Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics

Joint redness, swelling, and pain lasting 2-3 days that resolves on its own can have many causes.
A general serum test and a detailed medical history are necessary for diagnosis and treatment.
It may be related to the autoimmune system or could be an antibody response triggered by a previous streptococcal throat infection.
As for the inability to touch the shoulders with both hands and the inability to bring the knees to the buttocks after bending, this may indicate muscle or tendon spasms, which need to be confirmed by a physician's examination.

Reply Date: 2004/03/12

More Info

Hello,
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your joint pain, particularly in your fingers, and the limitations you experience with your range of motion. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing symptoms that could be indicative of a few different conditions, and I will outline some potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options for you.

Possible Causes of Joint Pain
1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This autoimmune disorder often affects multiple joints symmetrically, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. The symptoms you describe, such as redness, swelling, and pain in multiple finger joints, could align with RA, especially since it can cause flare-ups that last for days.

2. Osteoarthritis (OA): While OA typically affects older adults, it can occur in younger individuals, particularly if there is a history of joint injury or overuse. It usually presents with joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

3. Gout: Although your uric acid levels are normal, gout can sometimes occur with normal levels, particularly in the early stages. It typically presents with sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling in the joints.

4. Psoriatic Arthritis: If you have a history of psoriasis or skin issues, this could be a possibility. It can cause joint pain and swelling, often accompanied by skin symptoms.

5. Hypermobility Syndrome: Given your description of being unable to touch your shoulders or bend your legs back, you may have a hypermobility condition. This can lead to joint pain due to the instability of the joints.

Symptoms to Monitor
- Duration and Frequency: Keep track of how long the swelling and pain last, as well as how often these episodes occur.

- Associated Symptoms: Note if you experience any other symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, or skin changes, which could provide clues to your doctor.

- Family History: Consider any family history of autoimmune diseases or joint disorders, as this can be relevant.

Treatment Options
1. Medication: Depending on the diagnosis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and inflammation. If an autoimmune condition is suspected, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be necessary.

2. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help you with exercises to improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles around your joints. This can be particularly beneficial if you have hypermobility.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in low-impact exercises (like swimming or cycling), and avoiding repetitive motions can help reduce stress on your joints.

4. Dietary Changes: While your uric acid levels are normal, a diet low in purines (found in red meat and certain seafood) can be beneficial if gout is a concern. Additionally, anti-inflammatory foods (like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish) may help.

5. Regular Monitoring: Regular check-ups with a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist can help monitor your condition and adjust treatment as necessary.

Conclusion
Given the complexity of your symptoms, I recommend consulting with a rheumatologist who can perform a thorough evaluation, including blood tests and possibly imaging studies, to determine the exact cause of your joint pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing joint conditions effectively and preventing further complications.

Please take care, and I hope you find relief from your symptoms soon.

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