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Arthritis (Expert Forum)
Back, Joint, and Muscle Pain
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding arthritis issues such as: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Myositis, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Vasculitis.
Back, Joint, and Muscle Pain
by basteve, Mar 26, 2007 12:00AM
I am a 23 year old female. Until this past January, I have never had a history of this type of pain or any other chronic health problems. I also recently tested negative for all possible STDs. I am currently on no medication except for muscle relaxers to deal with this pain. The following is a general list of discomfort I have been experiencing:
-The left ball of my left foot aches constantly.
-The inside of my right knee: hurts while bending and sometimes while its straight when I lay down.
-Both hips are just sore and tight, but loosen as the day goes on. Hurts to put weight on them.
-My mid back - it hurts to take a deep breath - feels like all the muscles attached to my rib bones are too small and can't reach where they should.
-My upper arm muscles - triceps? can't reach behind me, hurts to raise my arm, to lift things, hurts to lean on anything with them (cant sleep on side comfortably)
-Neck - generally tight, can't turn head to shoulder
I have been to a rheumatologist, and I have tested negative for arthritis. He said I show signs in my blood of inflammation. What else should he test for? What other specialists should I see? Could this be a nutritional/bio mechanical problem? Can I alleviate these pains with yoga and/or other strengthening excercises?
-The left ball of my left foot aches constantly.
-The inside of my right knee: hurts while bending and sometimes while its straight when I lay down.
-Both hips are just sore and tight, but loosen as the day goes on. Hurts to put weight on them.
-My mid back - it hurts to take a deep breath - feels like all the muscles attached to my rib bones are too small and can't reach where they should.
-My upper arm muscles - triceps? can't reach behind me, hurts to raise my arm, to lift things, hurts to lean on anything with them (cant sleep on side comfortably)
-Neck - generally tight, can't turn head to shoulder
I have been to a rheumatologist, and I have tested negative for arthritis. He said I show signs in my blood of inflammation. What else should he test for? What other specialists should I see? Could this be a nutritional/bio mechanical problem? Can I alleviate these pains with yoga and/or other strengthening excercises?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 26, 2007 12:00AM
, Mar 26, 2007 12:00AM
I agree with the rheumatology evaluation. Blood tests looking for inflammatory diseases such as lupus can be considered. ANA levels, sedimentation rate and a C-reactive protein can be considered.
If negative, you can x-ray the affected joints to determine if there is evidence of joint erosion or degeneration.
If the rheumatology evaluation is non-revealing, you can consider a referral to a physiatrist (rehabilitation MD). Physical therapy can be an option if the tests remain negative.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
If negative, you can x-ray the affected joints to determine if there is evidence of joint erosion or degeneration.
If the rheumatology evaluation is non-revealing, you can consider a referral to a physiatrist (rehabilitation MD). Physical therapy can be an option if the tests remain negative.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
