I understand the morning stiffness thing all too well.

Hmmm...don't know about the calves being hard as a rock. I'm guessing by "progress" you are referring to the stiffness progressing to your calves?? Honestly, I don't have that at all, and I've not come across that from others. But nothing surprises me with RA.

My morning stiffness has always been in my ankles/feet/toes the worst, then the hands/fingers/wrists. Other joints join in as well, but never my muscles.

Sounds like a good question for your rheumy, hun.

tess

Hi Brad,

Have you seen a doctor?   I would get checked out if I were you ... and not wait.  Because the progression itself might be a clue for the doctor.  Have you thought about maybe fibromyalgia?  It's more common in women (like RA) but men also do develop it.  And sometimes it's hard to distinguish without blood tests to rule out RA and other rheumatic diseases..

It also might be polymyalgia rheumatica - that really affects the muscles. I have 2 sisters who have it (and not RA) and it became extremely hard for them to move around.  It can also have a complication affecting vision (temporal arteritis) sometimes, if it's not treated.  Both of my sisters are on prednisone, and it's really helped.  It's usually lasts a couple of years, not permanent, but it can be serious, so I'd get a referral to a rheumatologist.

Let us know how things turn out.

Ellen