Is it possible that the cause of pain attributed to rheumatoid arthritis ( by blood tests/scans) is osteo arthritis or sciatica or both?

[Baumeister]

[Baumeister]

Sorry - I meant believed by the sufferer to be rheumatoid arthritis but discounted by blood tests/scans could be deferred pain from osteo arthritis or sciatic

[cathie]

It could be. I have RA and oa. This confused my new rheumy.

[helixhelix]

Well they all hurt! I have all three, although sciatica is currently behaving itself. However, to me they feel a bit different, as the osteo is a more graunchy pain whereas the RA is more throbbing. And sciatic pain is more stabbing. But that's me, and everyone is a bit different.

Classically, sciatic pain tends to radiate down one (usually) leg. Osteoarthritis tends to go for knees and hips, and RA/RD tends to start with the small joints in hands and feet. So that is a clue for what might be wrong - but it's not 100% as each can do different things as well.

[marcus6]

Yea it could be all of them rolled into 1, as I have degenerative disease in my foot and I have been told its not the RD/RA thats done it, so then you have to ask what it is! Im still waiting for them to tell me.

[pineapple_head]

The problem is that if your DMARDs are working, you no longer get RA pain but will be left with only the OA and sciatica pain. But I wouldn't want to stop the DMARDs just to prove it because if they are working, best thing is to leave it well alone! The inflammation in your blood will also be an indicator but if your RA is controlled, again your ESR and CRP will be low but would rise a bit if you have a flare up!

Hope this helps clarify a bit?