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is it enough to say it's RA ?

Posted , 7 users are following.

marieelle199
marieelle199

I've been having pain in my lower back for 3 months now and now I feel pain in both my knees no stiffness no limited motion nothing of all that just aching pain that at times gets worse ... surprisingly the pain gets better when having very hot baths 

Can this possibly be RA ? I'm 23 I feel down having the idea that I may have RA 

 

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Rowbirdie
    Rowbirdie marieelle199

    Posted

    Have you seen a  doctor( GP)That s what you need to do as these symptoms are not specific to RA.
  • cristeelinn
    cristeelinn marieelle199

    Posted

    I regret that you are in pain.  I have had my fair share, but not knowlegable about RA.  It could be RA, nothing is impossible. I am an advocate for good pain management.  Does R.A. show up on a blood test?  You may want to check into this. Aching pain can be debilitating. My heart goes out to you sweetie.  Best  of luck.  Be your own advocate and research as much as possible and you are in the right place.  Others with RA may be able to help you the most. 
  • gail32047
    gail32047 marieelle199

    Posted

    Hi Marie - generally RA hits small joints first. It very rarely goes for the lower back. Stiffness, especially in the morning is a key effect of RA. Other rheumatic illnesses like fibromyalgia have some symptoms in common with yours. Are you a sporty type? Do heavy physical work? You may have good old fashoined joint damage. See your doctor and set your mind at rest.
    • marieelle199
      marieelle199 gail32047

      Posted

      Hey well my joints happen to be sensitive to cold like if they get exposed to cold they ache can this be a sign ???
  • Light
    Light marieelle199

    Posted

    As far as I know back pain is not a symptom of RA, generally.

    But it could be a symptom of many other very different things, so it is best to get it checked out before you go for any treatment or do things that make it worse.

    RA pain is bilateral, as your knees are, but usally starts in the morning with stiffness that wears off with use. So yours doesn't sound like RA to me. And if you've had the back pain for several months, chances are these are two different symptoms of two different conditions.

    Give your knees a few days, in case it's just a passing thing due to too much exercise. You're far too young to have much else.

    If you do end up having a blood test for RA, keep in mind that 20% of RA sufferers come out with negative blood tests anyway.

    Reduced pain with hot baths is an RA thing, yes. But they could also bring relief to many other conditions.

    • marieelle199
      marieelle199 Light

      Posted

      Thanks for ur reply was very helpful 

      yes I don't have morning stiffness just joint ache and muscle weakness I'm waiting for my vit D and Calcium test maybe it's the reason behind it

      it's just that what really scares me is that I feel pain if i get exposed to cold and comfort when exposed to heat plus The only medicine that has been helpful so far is voltaren suppositories they are magic and seem to kill the pain in my back .... I'll probably be doing some tests to confirm

      Thank u    

    • ama38049
      ama38049 marieelle199

      Posted

      Hi Marie, I think that you just got your answer - voltaren does not help RA. At least it does not do miracles. Congrats :-) and consult your dr nevertheless. Good luck.
    • marieelle199
      marieelle199 ama38049

      Posted

      I would vote 10 million times for this comment 

      I would still consult my physician and hoping for the best always 

      Thanks Ama 

      Regards

  • penny55083
    penny55083 marieelle199

    Posted

    Unlikely to be RA. But like other responders to your question I would suggest seeing your GP and ask for blood tests and/or seeing a physiotherapist who specialises in joint problems.
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