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I am experiencing pain in my joints throughout my body - knees, shoulder, feet. Is this osteoarthritis or related to having MS for over 30 y

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Greenville, NC
May 30
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A MyMSTeam Member

I was diagnosed in 2018 but I have aches in all those same places. My pain is mostly from arthritis and osteoporosis

May 30
A MyMSTeam Member

I have had MS since 1979 along with osteoarthritis. I have pain and reduced range of motion in hands, hips, knees, shoulders, spine. MRIs and xrays confirm that the pain is from the osteoarthritis. I take glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM daily, various NSAIDS for pain and get hyaluronic injections into my knees every 6 months instead of steroids. Also been getting PT for my neck. My gnarly hands look like my Mom’s did. I am 78 but I am still living on my own and intend to do so until it becomes physically impossible. Keep doing anything you can to relieve the pain and keep an eye out for new treatments.

May 30
MyMSTeam

Joint pain throughout the body is something many people with MS experience, and after 30 years with the condition, it's a very valid question to ask. The honest answer is — it could be both, or either, and it's worth talking to your doctor to figure out what's driving it.

Here's how MS can indirectly cause joint pain:

- Show Full Answer

Joint pain throughout the body is something many people with MS experience, and after 30 years with the condition, it's a very valid question to ask. The honest answer is — it could be both, or either, and it's worth talking to your doctor to figure out what's driving it.

Here's how MS can indirectly cause joint pain:

- Muscle weakness and spasms can put extra stress on joints like knees and shoulders
- Changes in how you walk (gait) can cause pain in the feet, knees, and hips over time
- Reduced physical activity can lead to fluid buildup and swelling in joints
- Nerve damage can send abnormal pain signals that feel like joint pain
- Spasticity (muscle tightness) can make joints stiff and painful MS doesn't directly inflame joints the way some other conditions do — instead, it creates a chain reaction through nerve and muscle changes that eventually affects the joints.

A MyMSTeam member shared a relatable frustration: after seeing multiple doctors, they received four completely different diagnoses for their pain — showing just how tricky it can be to pinpoint the cause.

The best step is to bring this up with your neurologist, who can help determine whether your joint pain is MS-related, and refer you to a physical therapist if needed. Don't suffer in silence — there are treatment options that can help!

May 30

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