Heya. I'm 21 years old - my grandma has arthritis in her hands and wrists (her fingers are disfigured and poke out at odd angles) and my mum was diagnosed with arthritis in her knees in her late 40s. For the last couple of months I've noticed aching in my elbows after carrying anything. It bothered me because it was a definite change. Since then my knees have started to ache (one in particular). And today my shoulder is aching a lot also. It's a pulsing kind of ache that can get worse when I'm just sitting there doing nothing at all with the limbs. I have no idea what arthritis pain feels like and don't want to admit I'm suspicious to any of my family for fear of finding out it's true! Exercise is sooooo important to me. I'll be absolutely devastated to find out I have arthritis at my age. If ever I'm in a depressed mood, a run can get me out of it. What will I do if I ache like this?!? What are the chances?

Hello!
You didn't indicate which type of Arthritis your mother and grandmother have. If it is Rhuematoid then the chances are pretty good, if it is Osteo then the chances are slim.
Rhematoid is genetic, Osteo is caused by joint damage.
There are well over 100 types of arthritis currently known, possibly more still pending research, many of them are genetic such as Rheumatoid. OA is not genetic.

My best advice is this: Get to your general doctor asap and get checked. A simple blood test can often dectect arthritic activity, especially RA. It is better to ease your mind that to go on in fear.
You could also have something like Fibromyalgia or various other health issues which may mimic arthritic pain, it really is best to be checked to determine what the real root of the pain and problems are.

Arthritic pain is different for everyone but as a generalization the joint itself may have a constant dull pain, the skin will or can be hot to touch and swollen or red. Pain is usually worse in the morning and at the end of the evening.

If you do have arthritis of any type, it isn't the end of the world, even though it may seem so. You have to realize there are so many things that are much worse, cancer being one of them, or possibly being paralyzed.
There are medications and various treatments to help to control the pain and swelling and you can lead a normal life for the most part.
Part of getting through it is the general acceptance of what you have and how to deal with it emotionally and physically for the rest of your life. You may be required to make some lifestyle modifications but it all comes in due time.

Good luck, get yourself tested and let us know how it turns out

Barbie

Barbie gave you great advice!!! It is a challange but not the end of the world. Attitude and your personal outlook is very important. It helps to find a really wonderful support group. Cindy