Joint pain and stiffness

[yourstkeep]

I'm new to this site, and not really sure where to post this, but I'm hoping someone can give me some guidance. I'm 28 and rarely get sick, haven't been to the doctor in years. For that last week or two, when I wake up my hands and feet are super stiff and hurt. I'm able to get them moving within a couple minutes, and they don't get stiff again during the day or anything, but I have no idea what it could be. I've been sick for a couple weeks with what I'm pretty sure was a sinus infection, but before I made an appointment with a doctor I started feeling a lot better. I have no idea if they're related or not, but I hadn't been that sick in at least 5 years.

Any help or info anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated!!

[Pantx]

Hi! When you go see the doctor, ask to have a CBC w/ Differential, A comprehensive Metabolic Panel and a basic Rheumatologic panel (Check specifically for ANA+Titer/pattern, CRP, ESR, RA factor, and Anti-CCP

Sometimes you can have joint stiffness as a result of something called Reactive Arthritis but because you haven't seen a doctor in a while I can't tell for sure.  Based on your symptoms though the above blood test recommendations would be a good start if you have good health insurance coverage. The ANA is a screen for possible autoimmune antibodies but isn't specific. CRP and ESR measures inflammation. I recommend RA factor to rule out Rheumatoid Arthritis specifically because you are having morning joint pain and stiffness that does not reoccur in the day. The Anti-CCP is another blood test used to rule out RA. If you have any positives on your basic rheum panel the PCP will need to refer you to rheumatology.  The CBC w/ Differential and CMP or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel is a standard blood panel for any kind of well check.  Feel free to print this out and hand it to your PCP.

[lylacavanaugh]

Good luck getting diagnosed by a competent practitioner. Symtoms you describe could be anything from Fibromyalgia to Lyme Disease. Or a symptom of something much less serious.  But it is a rheumatology symptom and if the General Practitioner does not know, see a rheumatologist.

[philnoir]

Since you rarely get sick and haven't been to the doctor in years, when's the last time you had an annual physical exam?

Frankly, no one here can diagnose your problem, even if we have experienced the exact same symptoms. You need a proper medical exam from a skilled practitioner, with a neurological exam and complete blood work.

Best wishes.