Is arthritis hereditary?

Could I have Arthritis or maybe something else?

• for last 8 months or so I've noticed feet, ankles, wrists and hands really bothering me (my hands more than anything though). And it's gotten much worse these last 3 months since I started working full time and using my hands a lot more. I don't know how to describe how they hurt, I guess like an aching feeling, like growing pains might feel or something. They bother me a lot at night and make it hard to sleep. Also, when I wake in the morning my hands are locked, and it's very painful to get them moving. They'll also lock when I'm driving, or sometimes if I'm just not doing anything with them, like laying in bed watching tv. I'm 21 so I don't know how likely arthritis is, but I do know that my grandma, great grandma, and great great grandma all have/had arthritis (i'm unsure which kind). My mom doesn't have arthritis. So basically I'm wondering if this sounds more like arthritis or possibly something else. And if it does sound like arthritis, how soon do I need to see a doctor? I don't get health insurance for another 9 months or so, so I can pay out of pocket if I have to but I don't know how urgent it is that I get it checked out. Thanks.

• Answer:

  Always best to go and see a doctor. Hydrotherapy has massive benefits on aching muscles and pains. Maybe you could look into visiting a spa once or twice a week where you could use their jacuzzi facilities.