Joint Pain

If my joint pain isnt arthritis what is it?

I am 25 and started having knee pain about 5 years ago when I went into the army. Over the next five years other joints have started hurting. Like my elbows, shoulders, and hips. My doctor did a blood test and it said negative for arthritis. Could it still be? Or what else could it be? They hurt even when I am not working out.

Public Comments

1. It could be gout or bursitis.
2. Blood tests usually do not tell if there is arthritis.That is usually x-ray or MRI..I don't know the doctor you are going to that told you a blood test tells you that.
3. Rheumatoid arthritis is tested for by a simple blood test and I would think it would be pretty accurate, but if you're doubting it, you can always request a second test. As far as what else, it could be a variety of things. There are MANY, MANY conditions that cause joint pain, starting with simple things like Vitamin D deficiency, which is a new epidemic, especially among Northerners and African Americans who don't get enough sunlight. You may want to get your level checked. You may also want to be checked for Lyme Disease, depending on where you live, what you've been doing, and whether you feel you may have been exposed to a tick. There are also musculoskeletal conditions, like Fibromyalgia, which can be diagnosed by seeing a Rheumatologist. If nothing pans out there, you may have some kind of chronic pain condition.