Sudden onset arthritis???

[Bunny12345678]

I wondered if anyone can advise me please, as I'm writing on behalf of my mum.

My mum started with her left knee and leg swelling about a month and a half ago following an excruciating snapping sensation to that leg, around the same time both wrists started to become painful and stiff, this has now progressed to her fingers that appear recoiled in a morning. Her GP practice is far from being good but they have requested an xray and done basic bloods including her tsh...she takes thyroxine and ramipril...I'm wondering if its her thyroid or a bacterial infection??? I'm really worried about the speed this is progressing, her gp's say its arthritis alone...

Any suggestions welcome please

[piglette]

An x-ray and blood tests should help her doctors to sort out the problem.

[Bunny12345678 in reply to piglette]

Thankyou. They're saying her bloods are ok but her symptoms are progressing, she felt faint once last week too

[piglette in reply to Bunny12345678]

I have the problem of feeling faint and I do faint every so often. It seems it is due to low blood pressure in my case.

[HeronNS]

This must be very worrying. As Piglette says the tests and x-ray that have been ordered should help with diagnosis. Arthritis can come on very quickly and what the doctor wants to do is acertain exactly what kind of arthritis this is so that treatment prescribed is appropriate. There are a couple of arthritis websites in the UK where you might be able to get some more information.

versusarthritis.org/

arthritisaction.org.uk/

I guess the best you can do at the moment is to be a reassuring presence in your mother's life. She is fortunate to have a daughter who is so caring.

[Happyrosie]

I'm no medical professional but it does sound like osteoarthritis, which can be slow-starting or fast like your mother's.Have you looked at the website of any of the charities who specialise in this? My rheumatologist particularly suggested "Versus Arthritis".

[katieoxo60]

Hello Bunny you seem quite concerned about your mum , its true arthritis can start suddenly thats why they test the blood as well. I have had arthritis for many years but when my knee went I went from mobile to immobile over night and theres no letting up since. Maybe your mum might have had niggly pain at some time or perhaps it is not arthritis especially the knee symptoms she has . Sometimes drugs can cause problems with long term use also a freind of mine used thyroxine and after many years she had to have hip operation but shes not diagnosed as arthritic and is active, its a funny illness that is different in everyone & not necessarily text book norms. So hopefully your mum will soon be given a diagonosis so they can commence correct treatment.Take care Best Wishes

[Lypsie56]

Years ago I suddenly developed pain throughout my body. It was over a couple of days. I couldnt even walk up the stairs. I was referred to a consultant. He said it was caused by a virus and can happen to anyone at any age. Fortunately it wore off over a few weeks but I had to wear a wrist support for about 18 months and it affected the joint in one of my big toes. So, it can come on suddenly. Hope your mum gets sorted.

[Bunny12345678 in reply to Lypsie56]

Thankyou very much for that. My mum doesn't feel as unwell as she did but her ankles and wrists are still swelling...I wondered if its a virus with her too??? She's been taking naproxen for her wrist pain but it's not ideal as it doesn't agree with really