Q: i am 34 for about a year now my ankles and feet are so swollen its scary if i sit for to long i am so stiff it hurts i have pain in my hands and swelling there as well could this be RA? My mom has RA.
Hi, Tanya. Sounds like you are really hurting. Can you take NSAIDs, like Aleve or Motrin? It's best if you take them with food. If you can take NSAIDs, they may help until you can get into see your doctor. Most people see the GP first and the GP usually runs blood work. If they suspect RA, or some other autoimmune disorder, they will refer you to a rheumatologist. Sorry to hear about your mom. RA does seem to run in families. Ronie is one of our members here who is a third generation "RAer". Her grandmother and mother both had RA. Please make an appointment with your doctor so that you can get on the road to some pain relief. Best Wishes to you, V
Hi Tanya,
If your swelling and stiffness is symmetrical (meaning it happens simultaneously on both sides of your body) then it could be Rheumatoid Arthritis. If RA runs in your family, I would suggest you find a Rheumatologist and let him/her run tests to find out if you test positive for RA.
I hope you feel better soon!
'Shine
Tanya,
I agree that you should consult a rheumatologist and have the doctor prescribe the appropriate tests. Even if your swelling and pain are not symmetrical, it is possible that it could still be RA. My RA did not present symmetrically (same on both sides of the body). Try Aleve, Motrin, or Tylenol to see if any of these help the pain and swelling any.
I'm sorry you're having such a rough time and feeling scared. The other people who have answered your question have given you some good advice - I definitely join in the recommendation that you go see your family doctor as soon as possible to get tested. However, blood tests aren't definitive in determining whether you have RA or not, so given your family history and your symptoms, ask for a referral to a rheumatologist regardless of the result of the tests.
In the meantime, check out our section on the basics of RA for more information that may get some bells ringing in your head. I also recommend that you check out my post on preparing for the first visit with the rheumatologist, as well as what makes a good rheumatologist.
That said, I know this diagnosis can be more scary when you have watched a family member go through the difficulties of living with RA. I want you to know that your mom's experience does not have to be your experience. In the last 10 years, there have been great improvements in the treatment of RA, especially with the introduction of the Biologics. Because there now are really good treatment options, the approach tends to be to treat early and aggressively to limit the development of damage in your joints. Many people live almost normal lives. The prognosis for RA is much better now than it has been.
Hang in there. We're here to help.
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