Re: muscle pain and weakness

Posted By CCF Neuro MD on September 14, 1997 at 08:56:55:

In Reply to: muscle pain and weakness posted by Tig on September 09, 1997 at 18:40:46:







:
I have been experiencing pain in muscles and joints for
about 4 months.  At times this pain is extreme, other times
less so.  The pain appears in different areas at different times.
It almost disappeared for a few weeks, but now appears to be getting
worse again. Stretching or putting pressure on muscles eases the pain.
I am also experiencing increasing weakness in my arms and legs.
Finally I have been having difficulties with articulation.  
My rheumatologist says that it is definately not a rheumatoligical
problem.  Can anyone suggest what the problem may be.
I am geting nowhere, trying to solve this.
Thanks for your earlier help.
Tig









Hello, Tig,
  Generalized muscle pain and weakness can be caused by many conditions.  First of all, physiological stress and overuse is the most common triggering factor
in an otherwise healthy individual.  However, we need to rule out other medical and pathological causes before we can say this is just related to fatigue.
Especially, in your situation, the involvement of articulation is quite worrisome.  From the neurological stand point, the conditions in which muscle pain and
weakness may be a symptom include a peripheral nerve problem (peripheral neuropathy), a muscle problem (myositis), a neuromuscular junction problem, nerve root
problem or a spinal cord condition. Each of these listed conditions has its own clinical features.  Some are more benign than the others.  Some run long course
and some progress rapidly.  The degree of muscle pain and weakness is always helpful to distinguish one condition from another. The way to tell them apart and
to be certain this is not a neurological problem is to have a neurology evaluation.  This can be done with your local neurologist, or if traveling to Cleveland
is not a big deal, we will be happy to see you at our outpatient department.  Please feel free to call toll free [phone] ext. 45559 for an appointment at
your convenience.
  This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your primary physician for the treatment and diagnotic options of your
specific condition.