Severe Joint Swelling and Pain: Concerns Over My Condition
Hi everyone, I’m really anxious and could use some advice. I’m 42 years old, female, generally in good health at around 68 kg, I smoke occasionally, and I’m taking 100 mg of sertraline. About five days ago, I abruptly awoke in the night due to an excruciating pain in my right toe. The doctors initially suspected gout, but the tests, including blood work and imaging, only indicated swelling without any definitive diagnosis. A day later, I noticed my ankle had become swollen and was extremely painful. I've been resting and applying ice for the past four days, but now both of my knees have also become significantly swollen, making it difficult to bend them and causing a lot of discomfort. The doctors prescribed prednisone as a precaution against gout and I’ll revisit them tomorrow to discuss my knee issues. I’ve experienced sprains in the past and this feels markedly different! Should I be concerned? It feels like my immune system might be damaging my joints or something similar (my blood tests from Tuesday didn’t reveal anything alarming aside from a slightly elevated white blood cell count and normal liver function). Walking has become a struggle, to the point that I’m contemplating a trip to the ER because I doubt I can reach the doctor’s office without assistance.
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 6:01:30 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your severe joint swelling and pain, especially given the sudden onset and difficulty with mobility. Your symptoms suggest inflammation, possibly related to gout or another type of arthritis. Let's break down what’s happening and outline what you can do next.
Main Points:
- Persistent joint pain and swelling, particularly with recent changes, warrant careful monitoring.
- You've already started self-care measures (rest, ice) and have received a prescription for prednisone.
- Immediate and clear actions are necessary to manage your symptoms and ensure safety.
Explanation: The symptoms you're experiencing could be a result of various conditions, including gout, inflammatory arthritis, or even an autoimmune condition, especially since the swelling has spread from your toe to your ankle and knees. The fact that your blood tests showed only a slight elevation in white blood cells is promising but doesn't rule out the possibility of an active inflammatory process.
Given the rapid progression of your symptoms, it's wise to be proactive about your health. While it's reassuring that your current doctor has prescribed medication and is planning to follow up, if your condition worsens or if you experience severe pain, significant swelling, or difficulty breathing, seeking immediate medical attention—such as visiting an ER—would be warranted.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, including pain intensity, locations, and any changes in your ability to move. This information can be very helpful during your next doctor's visit.
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Pain Management: Continue to apply ice to the swollen areas to reduce inflammation and pain. Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers (unless contraindicated) for additional relief.
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Rest and Elevate: Make sure to rest your affected joints as much as possible. Elevating your feet while sitting or lying down can help reduce swelling in your toes and ankles.
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is important, especially if you were prescribed prednisone, as adequate hydration can support your body in managing inflammation.
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Prepare for Your Doctor Appointment: Write down any questions or concerns you have about your symptoms and treatments. Inform your doctor about the severity of your swelling and pain, and discuss the difficulty you’re having walking.
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Seek Immediate Care if Necessary: If you find that you're unable to manage your pain, or if you have a rapid increase in swelling or any other concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to visit the ER.
Please take care of yourself, and know that you're doing the right thing by seeking help. Let me know if you have any further questions or need support!
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