Is rheumatoid arthritis the right diagnosis for stiffness in the legs?
Patient: Hi, I have had stiffness in my legs when I wake up in the morning, when I sit for a period of time. Bending down to tie my shoelaces is becoming difficult They did an examination and some blood test, said I have RA.. But I am not totally convinced, because some of my other blood tests are normal. Any suggestions Doctor: EARLY MORNING STIFFNESS IN JOINTS IS A FEATURE OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.HOWEVER YOU HAVE PROBLEM IN BENDING FORWARD SUGGESTIVE YOU MIGHT HAVE DISEASE IN LOWER SPINE, WHY NOT CONSIDER ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS.IT WOULD HAVE BEEN GREAT HELP IF YOU COULD TELL ABOUT RESULTS OF YOUR TEST, HOW MANY JOINTS AFFECTED AND OTHER SUSTEMIC ILLNESS.IN ABSENCE OF CLINICAL,IMAGING AND BLOOD INVESTIGATIONS PLEASE GO WITH YOUR DOCTOROR VISIT A RHEUMATOLOGIST FOR FURTHER MANAGEMENT AND NEEDFUL.