joint pain in multiple places?

[Mom of 4]

I have been to 2 orthopedists one which did do an MRI on my knee, I have been to PT for my knees and for my shoulders. My family doctor has taken xrays, the orthopedists have taken xrays. I have joint pain in my hands, in my wrists, in my shoulders, some in my ankels, some in my hips. I have been told I have patella femoral pain syndrome, I forget what they said was wrong with my shoulders, a lot of doctor jargon. I have snapping, popping and grinding in all of my joints that have pain. MRI on my knees showed"wear and tear" I was also told that it is impossible for me to have arthritis in any thing that was xrayed because the xrays didnt show anything. My question is, Is it possible to have arthritis in all of the areas and it NOT show up on X-rays? If so, how in the world do I get my doctors to look more deeply? I tried at my last ortho appointment. I have another appointment in November. I am just tired of the pain. If you can help, please let me know. Need more info just email me.My husband and I have investigated both fibromyalga and rheumatoid arthritis, and seems very possible that I may have one or the other, but the doctors dont seem to keen on that as a possibility. We are looking into finding a rheumatologist.

[luvmybabies]

Have they ruled you out for auto immune diseases such as fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis?

[pinky.p]

Sorry to hear that you are in pain but I have rheumatoid arthritis and usually if they suspect arthritis they can tell that from a blood test. If there is wear and tear on your knee sounds like some form of arthritis, but there is a lot of different types. I looked up patella femoral pain syndrome and it is called runners knee, unless you are very sporty. Inflammation does show upon an x ray and damage to the bones. MRI seemingly doesnt do a very good job on the bones it is more for tissue. If I were you I would ask for a blood test because at least then you can eliminate arthritis.Anyway whatever happens Good Luck.....

[rustifox]

You may want to ask to have your thyroid levels tested, too - your family doctor can do this for you. If you are hypothyroid, myalgia is a common symptom. The following article may be of interest to you - registration for Medscape is free, and very worthwhile as a reliable information source.

www.medscape.com (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/418702_6)