43f, hands/feet diagnosed with osteo by rheumatologist, came on steadily over couple months, can osteo really happen that fast?

Osteo: Osteoarthritis or osteomyelitis? I have seen many rheumatoid patients with osteoarthritis. And unfortunately, I have also seen rheumatoid patients develop osteomyelitis (bone infection) rapidly in the feet from seemly innocent injuries or conditions like ingrown toenails.

Sometimes it can: Osteo arthriitis can become inflamatory it is a wear and tear type arthriitis so it may be present and quiet if inflamation starts it will flare up....

Could: I would keep the options open you may have osteo but you may have something else as well.