Can these symptoms be cause by neck arthritis?

Hello,

I have arthritis in my neck and wonder if it could be causing all my muscles to be very tight. My leg and foot muscles get tight as if I'm squeezing them. My toes stretch out etc. when I notice I try to relax them, a couple of my toes have started turning inward from this happening constantly. My jaws & stomach are clenched during the night and hurt in the morning. All the muscles in my body get tense & then I try to relax them, I'm very uncomfortable.
I don't have any pain in my neck but the back of my head hurts constantly and the muscles on my neck are a bit swollen.

I'd appreciate your thoughts,
Thank you for your time!

[Dr Vinod]

Dear forestgreen,

Hello!

I would want to suggest that arthritis in the neck is not the cause of problem in your lower limbs and generalized body muscle pain.

You would need to consult a neurologist to rule of Fibromyalgia and then if required follow up with a Rheumatologist.

For Rheumatoid arthritis you would need to go for an X-ray and Rheumatoid factor estimation and follow up for proper diagnosis. Osteoarthritis can also be ruled out with proper clinical examination and X-ray.

For present pain relief you are suggested to take intermittent pain killers and rest till proper diagnosis is done and a future course of treatment is planned accordingly. Take your appointments near a neurologist and Rheumatologist

Take care!