Sudden onset of multiple joint pain

[Chip196]

Hi Dr. Steve,

About 2 weeks ago I noticed that if I was sitting any way other than perfect posture, my right knee would become VERY stiff when I got up. I first noticed it sitting indian style on the floor playing with our puppy. A few days ago I noticed soreness in my knuckles on my left hand (specifically my middle three fingers). Just today my right ankle and left wrist are tender.

I haven't been doing anything out of the ordinary, and have never had any issues like this before. I have checked my body for tick bites but haven't found the trademark red circle anywhere. I passed a kidney stone about a year ago with the results showing high Uric Acid and it was reccomended I change my diet to avoid more stones and or progression to Gout. I have been VERY dilligent about it (no peanuts, spinach, rhubarb, black tea ... and drinking lots of water and green tea). I haven't had another stone since. I am 32 and never been sick (Haven't been on anti-biotics since that ear infection pink stuff when I was 8).

What else could be causing this joint pain? I plan on making a follow-up with my urologist, but wasn't sure if I should see my GP if it's something else.

Thanks,
Chip

[Dr Steve]

Hi Dr. Steve,

About 2 weeks ago I noticed that if I was sitting any way other than perfect posture, my right knee would become VERY stiff when I got up. I first noticed it sitting indian style on the floor playing with our puppy. A few days ago I noticed soreness in my knuckles on my left hand (specifically my middle three fingers). Just today my right ankle and left wrist are tender.

I haven't been doing anything out of the ordinary, and have never had any issues like this before. I have checked my body for tick bites but haven't found the trademark red circle anywhere. I passed a kidney stone about a year ago with the results showing high Uric Acid and it was reccomended I change my diet to avoid more stones and or progression to Gout. I have been VERY dilligent about it (no peanuts, spinach, rhubarb, black tea ... and drinking lots of water and green tea). I haven't had another stone since. I am 32 and never been sick (Haven't been on anti-biotics since that ear infection pink stuff when I was 8).

What else could be causing this joint pain? I plan on making a follow-up with my urologist, but wasn't sure if I should see my GP if it's something else.

Thanks,
Chip

Chip:

Gout usually presents as a single joint that turns red and excrutiating. Sometimes people get collections of uric acid crystals in the joints that cause severe swelling (and are called "tophi" just because we can't just say "big swollen joints").

You, on the other hand, seem to have a migrating "polyarthritis". Let's break down that word: poly=many arth=joint itis=inflammation, so polyarthritis means inflammation in multiple joints.

I would definitely recommend you see your family doc; he/she will do a brief exam and order some blood work for general body inflammation and other things (including a uric acid test just to make sure it ain't gout). The results will reveal whether you need to see a rheumatologist (joint/arthritis specialist) or whether you can simply be treated with antiinflammatory medications.

Call your doc and ask if you could take some ibuprofen over the counter for the discomfort until you can get in to see them.


Hope this helps, and please write back and let us know what they find out.


your friend,



Steve

[CousinDave]

What else could be causing this joint pain? I plan on making a follow-up with my urologist, but wasn't sure if I should see my GP if it's something else.

Thanks,
Chip


Do you eat a lot of nightshades / Solanum foods?

[joethebartender]

Let me know how you make out. I had a similar condition and it got to the point of temporarily crippling me. My primary care doctor sent me to see a specialist. I got some great help from the rheumatologist. (in Englewood, NJ...PM me if you want her info). I came out of it alright. This is the best I've felt in 3 years!