arthritis at 26!?

I have had constant shoulder pain for a long time now and I just went to the doctor today. She says since arthritis runs in the family that is what it probably is. How sucky is this. If it hurts at 26 how bad is it going to get! oh boy...

What treatment has your doctor offered?  Did she take xrays and do bloodwork?  If not, I'd get a second opinion.

Arthritis in the shoulder at age 26? Unless you've had significant trauma to that joint it is most likely something else (and probably treatable with physical therapy).  Get an opinion from a Sports Medicine specialist.

My husband has had arthritis for a number of years (he is only 34). It runs in his family and he owns a small landscaping business that specializes in stone and brick work -- patios, walls, you get the idea. The doctor said that because of the type of work he does, his arthritis appeared earlier than it might have if he had a desk job, so you CAN be young and have arthritis.

I do agree, though, that the doctor should have laid out some sort of treatment plan. It is manageable.

Good luck!

Im going in for an xray tomorrow and then probably an mri after that, if the xray doesnt show anything. She said it might also be a rip in the muscle. It has hurt for 4 years though. And my mom has arthritus really bad. I dont remember any trauma with my shoulder. I am a waitress and carry the tray on this arm. BUT I have only been a waitress for a year. I should know more by next week.

Sorry you are in pain. Injury to the shoulder is a bitch... it can be hard to heal, since you use your shoulder for everything. And it needn't take any event you remember: the act of carrying a tray day after day could have caused inflammation to the area. You get little microtears in the muscle, and over time the tears become worse, resulting in pain.

Does ice help? Are you having muscle spasms?

I was recently dx'd with arthritis (though I have yet to make that appt with the rheumatologist). My doc has suspected for years that I have developed psoritic arthritis (I have a long history, since childhood, of psorasis). All my x-rays show no damage to the joints though. However, I have a history of reoccuring injuries to my lower back.... pulled muscles, ligament tears, slipped discs. Started in my 20s. My docs say I just have "lousy ligaments" - some of us do... and most of us are females because estrogen can affect the ligaments and make them prone to tears.

Did he do a blood test, specifically ANA test? He must have, if he suspects arthritis, and not just a simple repetitive stress injury.

"Not a doctor"

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis at 20. Carring an extra 100lbs on my frame my entire life, in addition to some injuries just really disintegrated the disks in the my spine.

I would definitely say get a second opinion, it cant hurt!

I have found that yoga, accupuncture, and massage help the pain cycle often associated with arthtritis.

I used to work for the Arthritis Foundation.  I have heard many stories of even toddlers being diagnosed with arthritis.  There are many forms and it is important to be properly diagnosed.  You can look up information on their website as well as find a rheumatologist in your area. 
arthritis.org

I don't have arthritis, but I do have fibromyalgia.  One of my worst areas for pain is my "shoulders".  This is in quotes because although it appears like the pain is right in the joints it's really the muscles/tendons/ligaments (tissue) around the shoulder.   On the extra bad days (after I've lifted weights esp), it hurts if I've just touched them with my fingers.  A rheumatologist (sp?) could help with fibro too. 

My xray came back negative, I should get an mri (so doc said) but she wants me to go see her again first. I dont want to though, lol Is is bad that I am thinking of just waiting until it gets worse to go back, then they might be able to find something. I feel like Im being a baby about it and there is really nothing wrong.

I am terrible about going to the doctor so I understand how you feel, but you aren't making up the pain. Go back to the doctor.

My sister has arthritis in her wrists. She had it since she was 15.

My brother has had diagnosed arthritis since he was 9 (now 13). He was in remission after being on an anti-cancer drug but it has returned worse than ever. He is unlucky but many children also have arthritis. It is not an 'old persons' disease as so many people believe.

You may not have arthiritis but you abviously have something. I agree with megmc1355: get a second opinion. From a totally different clinic even. I have found that most doctors who work together are similar in diagnosis's

My brother has had diagnosed arthritis since he was 9 (now 13). He was in remission after being on an anti-cancer drug but it has returned worse than ever. He is unlucky but many children also have arthritis. It is not an 'old persons' disease as so many people believe.

You may not have arthiritis but you abviously have something. I agree with megmc1355: get a second opinion. From a totally different clinic even. I have found that most doctors who work together are similar in diagnosis's