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What causes persistent joint pain in a 26-year-old woman?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 26-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 145 pounds. Over the past few weeks, I have been experiencing joint pain, which is characterized by a mild, persistent ache. This discomfort affects various joints throughout a significant portion of the day. My knees are the most severely affected, but I have also noticed pain in my ankles, hips, wrists, and a toe. These symptoms persist regardless of my activity level, whether I am exercising, resting, sitting, standing, or walking. Sometimes, I feel the pain extending into the muscles near the joints, such as from my knee down my shin. I have found relief with ibuprofen. Also, around the time the joint pain started, I had a sore or lesion on the roof of my mouth (the hard palate). Given the history of autoimmune issues in my family, including type I diabetes and vitiligo, I am concerned that I may have an autoimmune condition. It is worth mentioning that although I experienced knee pain several years ago, this specific issue started approximately two weeks ago and I am currently taking Prozac and Prazosin. Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Atul Prakash

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concerns.

What you are experiencing does sound like an inflammatory condition, but not all such conditions are autoimmune in nature. The symptoms you are describing could potentially be attributed to post-viral reactive arthritis. To gain further insights and a clearer diagnosis, I suggest undergoing the following blood tests:

  1. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
  2. Complete blood count (CBC).
  3. C-reactive protein (CRP).
  4. Urine routine test.
  5. Liver function tests (LFT).
  6. Rheumatoid Factor (RA factor).
  7. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP).

In the meantime, you can continue using Ibuprofen for symptom relief. Alternatively, consult your doctor to discuss the possibility of obtaining Diclofenac, which may offer more effective pain management. Seeking medical evaluation and these blood tests will help in determining the precise cause of your joint pain and guide the most appropriate course of action.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or concerns.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Atul Prakash

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At January 23, 2024
Reviewed AtJanuary 23, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Atul Prakash
Dr. Atul Prakash

Orthopedician and Traumatology

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