Q. Can ferritin levels increase from an injured elbow or osteoarthritis?

Hello doctor,

Last October, on a routine physical, I received a ferritin reading of 535 with all other CBC/ metabolic panel tests and Iron panel completely normal. A follow up six weeks later, still showed a raised ferritin of 448 and yet another showed two weeks after that at 575 (at time of the 575 value, my CRP was normal, less than .4, and my ESR was 2 mm/hr) I was referred to a hematologist who one week later did a ferritin test (different lab) and my result came back at 341 and one month later at 368.

My TIBC averages around 269 and iron around 108. TS % usually 39 %. The hematologist also tested me for the HFE gene and this was negative. ANA negative, various viruses like hepatitis, and did another ESR which came back at 4 mm/hr. I had an abdominal u/s that was unremarkable with the exception of some renal cysts and repeated metabolic panels and CBCs with normal results.

I am a 42 year old very fit male with a BMI of around 24. I am involved in boxing and other contact sports so not sure if this could be a factor. Can ferritin increase from an injured swollen elbow or osteoarthritis? Is there much variation amongst lab results measuring ferritin (575 down to 341 in six days seems like a lot?

I am trying to get to the bottom of these results. I have no real symptoms of other diseases. I notice some labs quote a high of 300 as normal for a man, others 400 and a website indicates even a value of 500 is normal. Could this level just be normal for me? If not, what is the most likely underlying issue? I can provide more info as needed.

Could my levels be a result of something serious considering the normal CRP, ESR, ANA and other blood work? Any other workup to be done other than follow up to check levels? One other thing, I do consume four to five meals per day and do eat iron-rich foods. Could this be a factor considering the data I presented? Any other info you need? Thank you.

Thank you doctor,

Would an active injury (swollen elbow) or a mild virus affect levels? I do not drink any alcohol. I eat chicken two to three times per day, have four to five meals per day and have a diet probably 20 to 40 % over the norm in terms of iron intake and vitamin C. Could this be a factor? Could a stabilized ferritin of around 341/368 with a 269 TIBC and 108 Inc be suggestive of malignancy with the other test results I provided? Just want to know if there is any follow up I should be doing or have not done and what to worry about.