Joint pain = arthritis or stress?!?!?!

Its not arthritus, its extremely rare in young people so don't even consider it. Its probably stress or the fact that you're studying - constantly writing doesn't exactly do wonders for the wrist or the rest of your body. :smile:

Reply 5

OP

Thanks so much for the replies.

I'm really hoping it's not arthritis, because the pain came on so suddenly (although I have had it a couple of times before). What about the swollen wrist, though??? You can actually see that it's swollen! The reason I'm stressing about it so much is that two doctors (!) told me that perhaps I have early onset arthritis (osteo or rheumatoid)..they said it so calmly, just based on my symptoms, while I was freaking out!!! I think that perhaps now that I'm even more worried about getting arthritis, my joints hurt even more ??? Or maybe it's just a coincidence..?

Anyway, thanks to all of those who replied.

Also, I know that for rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to xrays, they do blood tests for C-reactive protein and check the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate..I had a couple of blood tests on Tuesday, but I'm guessing they wouldnt've included that?? I don't know what blood tests they were..I think just full blood count, etc. I had an infection (tonsilitis) a week ago, so perhaps the joint pain is also related to that?? Argh, I do hope it's just stress induced!

Reply 6

Full blood count is just checking whether you've had an infection (ie tonsillitis) and what your white blood cell level is at, as well as the balance of other things in your blood.

One tip: STOP LOOKING AT MEDICAL WEBSITES. You'll make yourself into a bloody hypochondriac, the only symptom you have is painful swollen joints, it could be anything, its only because you're looking at arthritis websites that you think you have it. So stop! Take a couple of anti-inflammatory pills (ibuprofen) to help the swelling and then forget about it till you see the doctor next. Stressing about it and researching different problems is not helping you at all.

Reply 7

OP

3232

Full blood count is just checking whether you've had an infection (ie tonsillitis) and what your white blood cell level is at, as well as the balance of other things in your blood.

One tip: STOP LOOKING AT MEDICAL WEBSITES. You'll make yourself into a bloody hypochondriac, the only symptom you have is painful swollen joints, it could be anything, its only because you're looking at arthritis websites that you think you have it. So stop! Take a couple of anti-inflammatory pills (ibuprofen) to help the swelling and then forget about it till you see the doctor next. Stressing about it and researching different problems is not helping you at all.

Yes, so I was wondering whether they'd do the C-reactive protein and ESR tests along with the full blood count..although I doubt it.

Yes, I should really stop researching things. Thanks for the tip. It's SO true. The main reason I do it is because I'm surrounded by medics everyday (working in a hospital/lab for the year) and whenever they suggest something, i just look it up (when it has nothing to do with me, I mean), but when the symptoms are similar, I panic. Hmm. And I'm planning on studying Medicine! :s-smilie:

I was never a hypochondriac before!

Reply 8

annsmith

kazaa

My joints have started to really really hurt..and I'm getting worried that I have arthritis or something (it's not the first time I've noticed the pain). Perhaps it's stress-incuded? I am feeling quite stressed, so maybe that's it? Everything seems to be hurting!
However, my joints have hurt a bit in the past (just on a couple of occasions) and my wrist is sort of swollen (just below the wrist, in fact). Argh, I need reassurance that this is normal and I don't necessarily have arthritis!!! I have so much work to be getting on with, but am worrying too much about this joint pain (which got progressively worse after I had properly researched arthritis..so..)!!! :redface:

better get diagnosed.

Reply 9

Sithius

16

X - ray.

If pain still there then get an MRI.

Reply 10

Sithius

X - ray.

If pain still there then get an MRI.

I didn't realise X-Ray's had healing effects...

Reply 11

OP

3232

I didn't realise X-Ray's had healing effects...

Neither did I.

The swelling just below my wrist is getting worse and worse (and more painful). Perhaps I'll take some NSAIDs (havent take anything yet) :frown:

Arthritis-related pain wouldn't come on so suddenly..right?

Reply 12

Not sure, probably only a doctor would know that. But you still shouldn't start guessing at what it is, it really won't help you at this stage. When do you see a doctor again?

Oh, and are you doing anything to aggravate it? Apart from typing, of course.

Reply 13

Sithius

16

3232

I didn't realise X-Ray's had healing effects...

Okay, I didn't actually realize I wrote that, didn't read over it or think.

What i meant was, get an xray and if you appear fine get an MRI as it may be the tendons.

Reply 14

OP