How can a woman handle joint pain and morning stiffness?

Question

Hello doctor,

My wife is 31 years old. Her joints started hurting six months ago, but we thought it was from her new gym routine. Now her hands look like they are deformed, and the fingers are starting to bend outward. Her recent bloodwork revealed RF positive (92 IU/mL), ANA positive at 1:640, and CRP at 32 mg/L. She is developing these red, painful nodules on her elbows. The morning stiffness lasts about three hours, and she has lost interest in everything because of constant fatigue. She cannot even hold our two-year-old anymore without pain. Her knuckles were so swollen that she had to remove her wedding ring. I am deeply worried this could be rheumatoid arthritis. Regular painkillers are not helping her at all. Could you please suggest the next steps we should take? Are there any treatments or specific tests that could help us better understand and manage her condition?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Based on her symptoms and elevated inflammatory markers, it can be due to rheumatoid arthritis. The next step is to see a rheumatologist in person, for physical evaluation. I also need to plan for imaging of joints to assess joint damage and inflammation.

Treatment options include:

Methotrexate or biologic drugs can help control inflammation and slow disease progression.
For pain, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and corticosteroids can be suggested.
Physiotherapy can also help you.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.