Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, something else? Which DR?

[Anonymous]

My knee has been swollen and filled with fluid since mid-June. I did not injure it; it came on randomly and then pain spread up and down my leg and body into joints, muscles, and bones.

ER assumed torn meniscus and referred to ortho after ruling out DVT.

Ortho predicted torn meniscus in multiple spots but CT scan followed by MRI w|o contrast only showed “early beginnings of arthritis.” Ortho originally said it’s doubtful that could be the cause of so much fluid, swelling, and pain.

Primary doctor assumed something more systemic, but blood work didn’t point to anything.

Now I’ve been told to see a rheumatologist for suspected arthritis.

I’m 50. I’ve never had anything like this before, and it seems odd that arthritis would have a rapid onset throughout my entire body.

I’m in pain when I’m in bed—both legs, hips, shoulders, ankles, wrists, etc. hurt even when I’m just sitting or laying down.

Does anyone with arthritis or fibromyalgia see any similarities here?

Is a rheumatologist my next step?

[Anonymous]

I was going to say torn meniscus before reading your whole post where it was ruled out. My knee swelled due to that (and early signs of arthritis). I'd definitely start with a rheumatologist since they deal with diseases involving the joints (arthritis, lupus, other autoimmune disorders, etc.).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was going to say torn meniscus before reading your whole post where it was ruled out. My knee swelled due to that (and early signs of arthritis). I'd definitely start with a rheumatologist since they deal with diseases involving the joints (arthritis, lupus, other autoimmune disorders, etc.).

Was your torn meniscus diagnosed by MRI with or without contrast?

How were you treated?

How long did the swelling last?

[Anonymous]

Op again: specific to my knee, now it hurts whenever I first stand up and straighten it. It feels like it’s shifting and clicking.

[Anonymous]

I'd go to a rheumatologist to rule out autoimmune stuff. But I would also see a good PT because they can really help reduce inflammation. They can also help you strengthen the muscles around your knee to support your joint.

Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion and points to a nervous system that is overstressed for a long period of time. Are you a person who is very stressed out? If so, you could also look into ways to calm your nervous system which can help with pain and be a longer term answer.

[Anonymous]

I am OP. My knee was similar to yours - I could barely drive, only walk short distances, had to use crutches at times. It sucked.

But a few years later after PT and working on reducing stress in my life and also working on calming my body down, I am able to walk 4-5 miles and have a normal life. (Still not playing tennis, but I can function and go places.). I'm telling you this because if it's arthritis, you can do things to get your life back. Lots of PT, pilates to strengthen muscles and working on reducing stress response to my life.

[Anonymous]

^^ Not OP, PP...

[Anonymous]

Rheumatologist is a good idea. Suggest a Lyme test.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was going to say torn meniscus before reading your whole post where it was ruled out. My knee swelled due to that (and early signs of arthritis). I'd definitely start with a rheumatologist since they deal with diseases involving the joints (arthritis, lupus, other autoimmune disorders, etc.).

Was your torn meniscus diagnosed by MRI with or without contrast?

How were you treated?

How long did the swelling last?

PP here. No contrast. No MRI. I think it was an ultrasound? It was an in-office thing. The second time they took an x-ray. Cortisone shots both times. helped immediately. I don't remember how long the swelling lasted, but the first one happened on spring break, and I could barely walk and not without pain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am OP. My knee was similar to yours - I could barely drive, only walk short distances, had to use crutches at times. It sucked.

But a few years later after PT and working on reducing stress in my life and also working on calming my body down, I am able to walk 4-5 miles and have a normal life. (Still not playing tennis, but I can function and go places.). I'm telling you this because if it's arthritis, you can do things to get your life back. Lots of PT, pilates to strengthen muscles and working on reducing stress response to my life.

7:01 PP here and I'd love to hear more about this. Did you see someone to help with this? or follow a program? or just general stress reduction?

[Anonymous]

It’s more than just your knee, right?

Could be RA. Mine was pretty sudden onset (swollen finger joints to struggling to walk in about six months).

See a rheumatologist, but the PCP should be able to order blood work.

[Anonymous]

When was the last time you replaced your mattress?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rheumatologist is a good idea. Suggest a Lyme test.

Agree with this plus seconding the recommendations for physical therapy and maybe adding in acupuncture.

[Anonymous]

Could be gout

[Anonymous]

Pseudogout. My husband just went through this - they thought it was everything else and it turns out it is this. Seems to come on in the summer when he is dehydrated.