My arthritis is definitely from my connective tissue disease. Even though I do not have a high SED rate or RH factor, my joints are definitely inflammed and in pain with some residual loss of function. I started with arthralgia about 8 years ago, where the joints ache but no inflammation. It was originally the wrists, then the shoulders and knees. about two years ago, I had inflammation and pain in the hips (right more than left) and left knee, a year after that it was throughout my body and labled as rheumatic joint disease. I usually have stiffness every morning and when I sit or stand for more than a few minutes on any given day. But my severe joint pain only seems to come with flares and once in a while when it is very humid, rainy, etc. I honestly don't know what typical rheumatory arthritis is. But the doctor says mine is from the connective tissue disease. They seem to go back and forth on the Lupus diagnosis. At this point, doctors say they are certain it is either Lupus, Scleroderma, or MCTD but not positive which one. Originally, I was diagnosed with Lupus CNS a couple of years ago. I am not sure why the confusion 2 years later. It is certain however that the rheumatism is caused by of the 3 connective tissue disease.
Hope this helps some. I have a lot of confusion when it comes to what comes from where. It seems like the age old question of what came first the chicken or the egg. Never did figure that one out. My best advice would be to go to the rheumatologist if your joint pain hits more joins, the pain worsens or you notice redness and swelling in any of your affected joints.
Best wishes - Kristin