Question
I have been having mild to extreme pain in my hands & feet. I have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis & heel spurs but this pain is different. My muscles feel tight & my bones & joints hurt. Sometimes pain is dull & achy and other times sharp & stabbing. At times in my feet the muscles feel like they are having a muscle spasm (yet not quick like a spasm). It doesn't hurt like a cramp either. It is more like an involuntary movement of the muscle or tendon, not sure. Just a little background, I have also been having overall aches & pains, mainly my joints. Frequently lately I have trouble opening bottles, etc with my hands and trouble with fine motor tasks. My neurologist told me about 10 months ago that I might have Multiple Sclerosis. He is not sure as my symptoms are inconclusive I guess. The aches & pains in my hands have been hurting much worse these past few days. I have had bloodwork done for RA which was negative. Any ideas? Anything would help. I will be seeing a Rheumotologist at the end of this month.

Answer
Jill,

I am sorry to hear about what you are going through. The pain you describe in your hands and feet can be consistent with server types of autoimmune conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Psoriatic Arthritis and several others.

You do not have to test positive for RA Factor to have Rheumatoid arthritis. I wish I could be more help. Seeing a Rheumatologist is a good thing. Getting an exact diagnosis is important. Most autoimmune diseases are much more treatable than they used to be. Once you get a diagnosis then a treatment plan can be developed.

I wish you improved health.

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com/