Differential Diagnosis for Joint Pain and Hair Loss
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - This is a common autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain and inflammation, and some patients may experience hair loss due to the disease itself or as a side effect of treatment.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Lupus - A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain, hair loss, and a variety of other symptoms.
- Psoriatic Arthritis - A type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, causing joint pain and inflammation, and can also lead to hair loss.
- Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism) - Both conditions can cause hair loss and joint pain, among other symptoms.
- Vitamin Deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin D or B12 deficiency) - Certain vitamin deficiencies can lead to joint pain and hair loss.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Cancer (e.g., Lymphoma) - Certain types of cancer can cause joint pain and hair loss, and early diagnosis is crucial for treatment.
- Sarcoidosis - A rare disease that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the joints, and can lead to hair loss.
- Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia - A condition where the immune system attacks red blood cells, which can cause joint pain and hair loss.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Alopecia Areata - An autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss, and some patients may experience joint pain.
- Dermatomyositis - A rare inflammatory disease that can cause skin rash, hair loss, and joint pain.
- Relapsing Polychondritis - A rare disease that causes inflammation of cartilage and connective tissue, leading to joint pain and hair loss.