Joint Pain in Teenagers: Exploring Causes Beyond Rheumatoid Arthritis & Lupus

Question
My daughter has severe joint pain. (hands, knees, elbows, wrists, ankles) A blood test show a positive result for rhumetoid arthritus.  She was seen at the Shriners Hospital and rhumetoid arthritus was ruled out.  They suggested she be checked for lupus.  However all the symptoms for lupus are not present with her.  The only physical appearance you see when the pain is present is a "egg like" swelling that actually can be moved somewhat near the area of pain.  For instance...she has pain in her knee and you can see the swelling to the side of the knee.  The pain is severe.....she cannot walk.  When the pain goes away so does the "egg like" swelling.  I have never seen this before?  Have you?

Answer
Hi Glenda,
This is most likely a swelling caused by swelling of the joint covering called the synovium. If it appears during painful periods, it would be termed "Synovitis". Lupus does not always show typical or obvious signs. Lupus can affect skin (things you can see) and organs (things you can't see). It would be a good idea to have this test done. A positive Rheumatoid Factor can be positive from other diseases besides the arthritis form of the disease.