Have you experienced any of these symptoms?
It started with extreme stiffness in the legs, especially the knees. I could not climb one step, I had no balance from so much stiffness. Then it exploded on my foot and ankle which was very swollen. Severe pain in toes, shooting and burning. And then I was left with a swollen joint around my left leg and a stiff top of my foot that is so stiff I can't move my toes. In March it will be exactly 6 months that I have had these symptoms. Does this sound like arthritis to you? I can't walk barefoot, only in shoes.
I can tell you that after forty years of rheumatoid arthritis, I have definitely experienced most, if not all, of those symptoms at one time or another. That being said, unfortunately, without being examined by a rheumatologist, it is impossible to say what it could be. Even if it is arthritis, it may not even be rheumatoid arthritis but osteoarthritis, the "old age" form. I think your first step would be to see if you can get a visit schedule with a physician and go from there. I know you were looking for a more definitive answer but it's just to difficult to say from just an online description. That being said, let us know what they say and if you need anything let us know. Keep on keepin' on, DPM
Echoing Daniel's comment here--I too had similar symptoms to what you're describing before being diagnosed with RA, but I would definitely recommend contacting your patient care team to further evaluate your symptoms. This sounds incredibly painful, and I'm hoping you have some resolution soon!
David (RheumatoidArthritis.net Contributor/Moderator)
