Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
About 2-3 years ago, I started to feel stiffness in my ankles. I found that a quick stretch would alleviate the problem. It was mostly at night when I would go to bed. I also started to get charley horses around that time. Over time, the problem with stiffness in the ankles has happened more and more often. I am now feeling the same things in my wrists and knees. I occassionally feel pain in my knees and ankles when I walk, though it is intermittent and just an unusual sensation. Over the last three weeks or so, my knees and ankles have become sore and though I try to stretch my legs, it doesn't seem to disappate. Lately I have been trying to take Advil, but I find that a heating blanket really helps. I have yet to go to the dr. I am only 36 years old. Are these RA symptoms?
deleted_user
sounds like it could be. ask ur pcp to do a blood test to see if u have the rheumatoid factor then u will know for sure. if that is not it maybe osteoarthritis which i think presents when u get older but i am not sure for i am 39 and my rheumatologist said i have both. go figure - lmao. take care
deleted_user
Doesn't sound like my symptoms when I first started, but we are all different. Mine started in knees and fingers, swelling in ankles and knees after periods of standing, serious swelling and PAIN in both knees and fingers. You need a blood test and visit to a rheumatologist to determine for sure if it's RA and begin treatment ASAP to deter further joint damage.
deleted_user
you really need to go see your doctor so he can do some lab work. It could be RA and OA, I have both, some of us are just lucky!! lol Be careful as to how much advil you take, Its not kind to your liver!! Good luck sandy
deleted_user
i dont have swelling and yet my RA came high, yet i have pain in almost all the pressure point,, dont even think the heat alleviates it for me , i guess you need a blood test to find out if its that or something else.
cindy50
When my RA started (JRA) my knees swelled and were really hot and I was so tired all the time
deleted_user
I'm only 30 & mine started in my knees & hips. The first time I went to the specialist he thought it was weird that all my other joints hurt more than my hands & feet. He said that with RA it is more typical. I think he jinxed me for now my hands & feet hurt more than the others. I would get tested. My rheumatoid factor was really high at 560 when it is suppose to be 40. so that will give you a good idea what it might be.
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