Normal CRP levels but still swelling/ pain in the joint

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arthritislg
arthritislg Member Posts: 4
edited 29. Jul 2025, 19:24 in Living with arthritis

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 !

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  • claudsl
    claudsl Moderator Posts: 227

    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

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,484

    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
    Naomi33 Moderator Posts: 585

    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

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • Mekky
    Mekky Member Posts: 4

    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
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,449

    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

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on0800 5200 520Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Mekky
    Mekky Member Posts: 4

    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.

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