Can those of you who have been diagnosed with arthritis share what your pain is like? For more than two years, I’ve had weekly joint issues, primarily in my fingers and the back of my hands. I consulted a physician previously, but after some blood work, he dismissed it, which is the same thing that happened to my mother with that same doctor. I sometimes worry I’m making a big deal out of nothing, but the discomfort is persistent and feels genuine. I’m curious about the actual sensations of arthritis so I can see how they align with my own experience.
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In my experience, the duller, persistent aches are the arthritis, whereas my muscle and tendon problems tend to feel more like burning or stabbing. Whenever the weather shifts or rain is coming, my joints get incredibly stiff, almost like the bones are grinding against each other. Haha.
My knees are in rough shape. It feels as though there’s grit inside them, and since the patella groove has worn away, my kneecap dislocates about once a week, causing intense pain. In my feet and fingers, it’s more of a low-level ache, while the pain in my jaw joints reminds me of a bad ear infection.
I deal with psoriatic arthritis in my hands, knees, and now my elbows. Unlike RA, this type also affects the tendons. To me, it feels like that stiff, painful sensation you get when your limbs are freezing and won’t move correctly. I also struggle heavily with exhaustion; sometimes just a trip to the store leaves me completely wiped out. Also, keep in mind that some forms of arthritis won’t be detected through blood work.
I’ve struggled with hand issues for quite a while; they become rigid and sore after a few hours of activity like writing or painting. My X-rays didn’t show arthritis, though. Since exercises didn’t really work for my hypermobility, I started using finger splints, which made a huge difference. I definitely agree with the advice to seek a second opinion. Your feelings are valid, but you might need to see a few different specialists—perhaps an occupational therapist—to get the right support.
What you’re describing sounds like it could be related to overuse. I’ve had similar issues that were hard to diagnose. Even after seeing a rheumatologist and getting blood tests, it turns out I have HSD. If I push myself even a little—what most people consider normal activity—I end up with terrible tendinitis. 
The sensation of arthritis varies from person to person, but it usually includes ongoing soreness, rigidity, and joint inflammation. Many people find it worsens when they move or after they’ve been still for a while, particularly upon waking up. Descriptions range from a deep throb to sharp, sudden pains. You should listen to your body; if the discomfort continues, finding a different doctor and getting the right care is essential for figuring out what’s happening.
I have arthritis specifically in my right knee due to old basketball injuries. When I’m still, it feels like a warm, radiating ache that’s constantly there—not unbearable, but definitely frustrating when I’m trying to settle down for bed. Moving it creates a scraping feeling, and overexertion leads to a sharp pain that lingers. Once that sharp feeling fades, it turns into a pulsing sensation, similar to an infected wound. It also reacts to barometric pressure changes, like during flights or storms, causing an ache that travels down my leg and increases stiffness. I used to think that was just a tall tale, but it’s definitely real! lol
At 28, I’m dealing with arthritis in my neck and back. It manifests as muscle soreness, stiffness, and a dull joint ache. I wasn’t aware of the back arthritis initially; I have scoliosis and recently discovered four bulging discs. You might want to try a TENS machine to see if it provides relief, as it helps me on occasion.
I’m only 12, so the doctors were baffled when I suddenly collapsed in the hallway on my way to lunch. My mom and brother both thought I was faking it to skip the meal; my brother even tried to stand me up only for me to fall again. I think I know why it happened: the day before, my sister pushed me off the bed and my leg got caught in the covers, likely causing my joints to briefly dislocate and then snap back. I think fluid built up in the gap while they were apart. Long story short, an X-ray confirmed the fluid, they drained it, and I’m walking now. The doctors said if we’d waited any longer to go to the ER, I could have ended up with early-onset arthritis. So, I definitely don’t think you’re overreacting—it’s incredibly painful.