Normal CRP levels but still swelling/ pain in the joint

arthritislg

Hi all had the results back from my recent blood test and my CRP levels are at 3 showing no systemic inflammation in the body however my knee is still really swollen and painful. I always assumed when the CRP levels go down so would the swelling? Has anyone had anything similar/ or can hazard a guess why the swelling is still there?

Thanks !

claudsl

Hi @arthritislg

Is there a possibility you have injured your knee and it's maybe not your arthritis causing this pain and swelling? That's the only explanation I can think of as usually the blood test would be elevated, as you said. That's why I'm wondering if it could be something separate, not linked to arthritis.

Claudia x

frogmorton

Best get it checked out especially if it's only one knee not both. In your shoes I'd get a GP appt when you can.

My husband (no injury no arthritis) had similar in his ankle - turned out to be cellulitis - I was worried in case it was something worse like a DVT.

Best of luck

Toni x

Naomi33

Morning @arthritislg

I was diagnosed with RA three years ago whilst seeing consultant and getting bloods and medication sorted.

I was advised I had OA in joints mine are mainly fingers and elbows. Maybe worth asking the question at your next appointment as my levels have reduced but like you pain in joints persists.

Hopefully not for you but best to ask the question.

Best wishes @Naomi33

Mekky

Hya @arthritislg. I'm just reaching out to the community at the moment. GP newly diagnosed OA, right ankle, Friday just gone (25th). (Please forgive my lack of computing skills, I am 'computer illiterate' to be honest!) I'm just finding my way around the site. I have a blood test booked for next week, not only for the swelling of the ankle, but also as to why I am always so cold since the swelling started. (I was very cold the last month or so, even with the heat we had, inside and outside the house.)

This maybe a separate issue I think, to the OA diagnosis, but how do I know, I'm not a GP!

Sorry to have 'bent your ear', just reaching out to learn I guess. Thank you for your time.

noddingtonpete

Hello @Mekky and welcome to the Online Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I've put a couple of links in below which might be of use regarding your ankle and hopefully the GP can find out why you are feeling cold.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-foot-and-ankle/

and

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/foot-and-ankle-pain/

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes

Peter

Mekky

I thank you Peter, for your reply, and I will without a doubt, keep you posted in the future.

I will certainly be trying the two links you sent to me, there is so much I have to learn, so much to know, so I'll be on those two links as soon as possible.

I am so sorry I could not help or advise arthritislg with their query, as I know nothing of CRP Levels, nor systemic inflammations of the body, I hope that they did not take offense at my (VERY!) limited knowledge of medical matters pertaining to Arthritis.

Thank you so much for your info.

Mekky

Hi, just an update on the ''feeling cold'' bit. My GP has diagnosed anaemia, due to a vitamin b12 deficiancy, (probably spelt the word 'deficiency' wrong!!). Apparently, the b12 is not being absorbed by my body. so I'm on b12 tabs for 3 months, plus much b12 containing foods for the same 3 months. (Fish, yeast/marmite spread, eggs, cheese and meats like pork, beef, lamb etc etc.)

Thank you for your time🙂

Mumof2

Hi,

In all the blood tests I’ve had, diagnosed at 8 with JIA, I’ve never had a raise count but have been sat in front of my consultant who could see the swelling around my joints. She looked a my test results and told me that not everyone shows increased markers in their blood. Might be best to get an appointment and see your team.

Good luck.

smallfurry

to arthritislg

I have very same problem. Surgery 5 months ago. No answers from any health professionals

bigcarol58

Hey, I'm new here, diagnosis is inflammatory joint disease, I have been diagnosed 10 years, I have low inflammation in blood but swelling mostly around knuckles, ankles, feet, wrists at times, it can be quite severe at times and still not show in blood! I have just been at clinic with obvious swelling at knuckles but I've never had disfigurement! Sometimes I feel like a fraud but the rheumatoid team say I'm diagnosed for a reason! I also have Osteoarthritis in lower limbs, hips, knees etc, basically just falling to bits. It can be quite frustrating at times as blood work doesn't back up physical symptoms! However they did tell me years ago that diagnosis is mainly through physical examination. I have low inflammation, rheumatoid in blood and physical symptoms. Don't know if this is of any use to you.x

MaryL44

Hello  @caroloneill and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

It's a strange disease, rheumatoid arthritis, isn't it? I, like you, sometimes feel like a fraud but then I realise how lucky I am that I don't have too severe symptoms.

Our website is a mine of information so do look at it. You might be particularly interested in:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

Also, our community members will have vast experience.

Please keep posting now you are here and let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes

Mary

bigcarol58

Hey Mary,thanks for replying, I will be sure to look at the site well, yes it's very strange and you're right, I've met some people that are much worse than I and it really humbled me.