My grandmother had sevre arthritis (wheelchair bound at 40), none of her daughters have it, I have been told genes and traits can skip a generation is this true? What are the signs and how is it diagnosed? I recently have found my joints (not all just a few) prominant just like my granny's and sore, my whole body aches in the morn and at nite? Could I?
2007-10-12 11:30:24 · 7 answers · asked by zero 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Thanks all, I pretty worried now! I always thought I may get it as I have very crackly joints ankles when walking up stairs etc. Tonight though I realised my hand has ben aching and tender for a long time especially my thumb joint then I was looking at it whilst opening something and its abnormally prominant raised, and you know that squre shaped nuckle. Oh god I hope its not as sevre as my granny annie's. Thank you x
2007-10-12 12:18:18 · update #1
I am 49, diagnosed with RA at 29, first symptoms a red hot swollen finger at 21. Much depends on what type of Arthritis and age. For example RA and Lupus can be detected by a blood test, but then they will need physical exam, x-rays, other blood tests to confirm it. IA or Osteoarthritis, what they call 'wear and tear' can happen at anytime, depending on how you use or abuse your joints. Most people over the age of 30 will show Arthritis changes in their spines along with DD Degenerative Disc Disease.
You could also have Fibromalgia with the aches in the entire body, but the only way to find out is to see a Doctor and start the process. I was in a wheelchair in 1994 and earlier this year, but am up and mobile again now. Treatments have changed since your Grandmothers day. Both my parents do not have Arthritis, neither do my three older siblings, but my Grandmother did but she was 94.
2007-10-12 13:49:21 · answer #1 · answered by gillianprowe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually blood tests and X-rays.
I've had arthritis all my life and believe me it's painful. It's worse in the cold and when the weather is very hot. In the morning you are very stiff and achey. Your joints swell and are extremely painful, it does sound as though you may have it by your description of your joints. Buy some Movelat Gel and rub it into the joints that are painful and make an appointment to see your doctor to get properly diagnosed. Also start taking glucosamine and chrondroytin these will help ease the pain and repair the damage to the joints.
Hope this helps and I sincerely wish you all the best.x
2007-10-12 11:54:10 · answer #2 · answered by Soup Dragon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's osteoarthritis, blood work may NOT show anything, but an X-ray and good history by your doc should give her/him the answer for you. Osteoarthritis is most common in the hands, spine, hips, knees and ankles. (It's degeneration of the joint, so the weight bearing joints get it more).
If it's RA, blood work should confirm it. RA typically affects joints on both sides of the body at the same time. It generally starts in the smaller joints of the hands/wrists. It's a systemic disease, so if you think you have it, find out sooner rather than later so you can start managing it before the damage gets too far along.
The good news is you're figuring it out and can now take steps to manage it. Personally, I'd look up everything I could on natural remedies and dietary changes to help with the inflammation and pain. Omega-3 fatty acids will help, certain foods are anti-inflammatory (pineapple, ginger, etc).
Good luck!
2007-10-14 04:48:06 · answer #3 · answered by AndreaM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was first diagnosed at 40. I thought I had some weird flu or something. It started in my shoulders. I could barely lift my arms up. Then it went to my elbows. Now I have it just about everywhere. There are many blood tests they do and just by you describing your pain, where it is and when you have it. Also, what helps the pain if anything. They will try different drugs if you get side effects from them. I had hair loss from one then stomach pain with another. Now I am on a couple that have no side effects for me. See a rheumatologist. Good luck to you.
2007-10-12 11:41:38 · answer #4 · answered by I love winter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Certain types of arthritis can be diagnosed from a blood test, others have to become apparent.
2007-10-12 11:33:44 · answer #5 · answered by Phil McCracken 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Blood tests and/or x-rays. Taking Glucosamine with Chondomitrin or extract of green lipped mussels can help maintain mobility in joints.
2007-10-12 11:38:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep. Sounds like you have it :-(
Start taking cod liver oil now. It may slow the thing down....
I'm arthritic too.
2007-10-12 11:36:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋