Mucscle pain

For the past two months I started going to a gym about 4 days a week. I haven't worked out like this in over 20 years. I'm a 43 year old male.  I do aerobics, muscle toning, etc.  For the past two weeks I have been experiencing pain similar to growing pains. Most of the pain seems to be in my legs.  However I have pain in my feet, toes hands, fingers, back, etc.  It comes and goes.  It seems to affect me more when I'm sleeping, so much-so that it wakes me up. I thought it was getting better but it seems to flare up.  I'm not sure if this is related to going to the gym or associated with something else.  There is a history Lupus in my family.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are many causes of chronic muscle pain.  There are several systemic diseases that can cause muscle pain.  Inflammatory connective tissue disorders and other systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, and drug reactions should be considered and excluded if possible in patients presenting with a soft tissue rheumatic disorder.  You may also want to consider various muscle disorders, such as the various forms of myopathies.  

To start with, I would check for thyroid function, liver function, an ESR, ANA level, rheumatoid factor and blood count.  If a muscle disorder (i.e. myopathy) is suspected, tests such as creatinine kinase, aldolase, and transaminases can be considered.

Of course, the pain may be also secondary to your exercise - without examining you, it is difficult to tell.  You may want to discuss these tests 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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[eloridas]

Hi Nikeee,

I am a 41 year old female [though I look MUCH younger, B^)]--anyway, I have been treated for Rheumatiod Arthritis, w/possible lupus for the last 20 years.  My comment is not too diagnose as I am not a medical anything--but after all this time I know what works for me--and I jsut thought I would tell you about something that helps me greatly.  I use that "blue gel stuff", whether the name on the front is Watkins, Icy Hot, or any of the many other blue gels out there.  But putting in on before you workout may also help you greatly with the symptoms and afterwards if you are having the pain.  Also--never hurts too see a Rheumatologist--I have always found them too be extremely thorough and very focused on issues.  Hope you start feeling better, eLoridas

[bucket456]

A related discussion, wrist and forearm pain was started.