RA leading to OA?

Starburst
Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
edited 18. Aug 2011, 13:19 in Living with Arthritis archive
I was diagnosed with RA in 2009. I've just been diagnosed with OA in my knees. I'm 23 and currently slightly overweight but have spent most of life either a normal weight or underweight. There is no family history. I know OA can develop earlier as a result of RA but I've never had an inflammatory problem with my knees before. My right knee is worse and I'm wondering if this is because my right ankle is worse than the left. The right ankle has mild OA but my consultant said it's related to the RA and synovitis in that ankle. I walk with a limp, so could this be contributing to the knee issues?

Basically, that was a convuluted way of asking, was anyone diagnosed with RA and then OA at a youngish age?

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm not young anymore but I have OA in my knees, which I reckon was triggered by PA damage. I also think it might now be affecting my right ankle, again thanks to PA damage (I am waiting for Xray results.) It is perfectly possible to have the two kinds of arthritis, and so tough for a young 'un like you. I am so sorry. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,027
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Starburst

    l have abit of both - inflamatory and OA too. Interesting this l shall be keeping a watch on your thread.

    One of the lasses on here got OA in her late teens if l remember rightly and has since had the PA diagnosis added.

    Does seem unfairly early though :sad:

    Love

    Toni xx
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I saw the rheumy nurse today, she agreed it sounded like OA and sent me for x-rays. I didn't get a chance to ask her why but I'll talk again to my physio who is better at explaining things to me.

    I'm feeling a tad despondent but such is life. Less than 5 weeks till I start university :grin: and I refuse to let myself get depressed.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh dear, starburst, that is despondent-making news indeed (and I know, I've been in that pit quite recently.) As to why, well, no-one has the answer to that. As far as I am concerned it's thanks to the PA damage, that has allowed the OA to creep into already-affected joints. It's a ****, innit? I don't do this often so brace yourself: ((())) DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I got RA at 15. The OA followed and I got my first new knees at 35. Infinitely better than the old ones.

    You'll be fine at uni, Starburst. Just make sure the powers that be understand your health problems. And, hey, enjoy it!!! I did.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    How very kind of you DD. Arthur is such a pain, literally and figuratively.
    Sticky -- they do know about my problems. Forearmed is forewarned and all that. ;)

    Apparently, the reason why my knees are like they are is because for several years, I have been putting too much pressure on them to compensate for the pain in my feet and ankles. That makes sense. Before I got this knee pain, I did feel like they were constantly achey and strained. I've been working with my physio to improve my walking. Fingers crossed!

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