Chronic knee pain! Fibromyalgia or arthritis, or both?

[MrsMouseSJ]

I have had at times severe, on/off knee pain - affecting both knees - for a few years now: stabbing, aching, plus some 'buzzing' sensations. Worse for mobilising and sitting for any length of time, and stiff in the mornings. It's getting worse and I am wondering just what is going on.

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, by my rheumatologist (I also have Lupus and other conditions), over two years ago. I saw him again the other week and highlighted the increased pain in my hips and knees and was sent for X rays. I now have his letter on the back of that imaging: apparntly there is no arthritis in my knees but some change elsewhere, including 'early wear change' in my hip joints.

I am trying to fathom several things: does this mean that there is no arthritis whatsoever in my knees (my understanding is that rheumatoid arthritis may not, in its early stages, show on X rays, instead it may be identifiable on ultrasound imagining)? Might fibromyalgia alone explain the knee issues? If that is the case, how come I am not feeling worse all over?

I would be really grateful for any input/experiences/advice people can offer here. I intend to see my GP to discuss this, but I very much suspect her knowledge of fibro will be limited.

[Dinkie]

Please see your GP again, not every pain can be put down to the dreaded fibro or arthritis. My husband thought his knee and shoulder pain was “just getting old”. Eventually went to the GP and he had PMR confirmed by blood tests showing inflammation. It can be difficult to unravel which pain belongs under which umbrella. Your rheumatologist, I presume you have one overseeing your lupus should be able to help with ruling out something else like PMR.

Good luck hope you find some answers soon.

[Princess61]

I to was suffering with really bad knee pain in both knees. I put it down to fibromyalgia, but after an xray, I was told I had bad osteoarthritis in both knees. Xx

[Janecc12]

As others have said I think it's time your GP x-rayed your knee again. Big hugs xxx