Anyone else got ridiculous joint pains with Sys. sclerosis?

[marilynmcl]

As my header asks....I have elbow,ankle, hip,finger joint pains with swelling of same. Am I to believe it is all osteo arthritis or is it connected to Systemic Sclerosis?

[LucyJean]

Hi there, it is pretty common to have inflammatory arthritis related to scleroderma. You can usually tell as it is quite different to pain related to OA. It is usually on both sides of the body and presents with redness, heat and swelling which tells you that inflammation is present. Sometimes pain and inflammation flits about from joint to joint and varies day to day or is there for a week a so and then settles. It can come out of nowhere and disappear in the same way.

In Osteoarthritis the pain is located in specific joints. It tends to be there most of the time. There is more likely to be pain without significant redness and swelling. This is related to long standing changes to the joints, such as damage from accidents, injuries and long standing wear and tear that we all get as we age, and depending on the jobs we do and the hobbies we have.

You should report any increased pain and changes to your GP or consultant. it is a good idea to get your bloods done to look for inflammation (e.g. blood markers ESR, CRP) and changes to your immune markers (e.g. blood markers ANAs). If the joint pain is related to inflammation and a flare up of your scleroderma then they will be able to review your medication and treatment plan.

Hope that all makes sense

All my best

Lucy xxx

[cowhide]

sorry to hear of your troubles. Are your Vitamin D levels monitored? The only time I had severe joint pains (no swelling though) along with really bad fatigue I pushed my rheumy to get vit D levels tested (this was faily soon after I started seeing her) and I was severely deficient. I take a supplement now and no further pains, levels are checked twice a year.

[SarahJane926]

Yes constantly, to the point now where they're changing my medication.

My joint pain moves around too, one day it will be my hands and feet, next day it's shoulders and knees, the elbows and neck!

I would certainly speak to your specialist and get your medication reviewed x

[marilynmcl]

Thanks to all who took the time to reply....I am off to see osteo dept. tomorrow so will have a word and see what they tell me and let you know what the outcome is. xx