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Neurology (Expert Forum)
hypotension and pain in joints is there a connection
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hypotension and pain in joints is there a connection
by ALY__0__0, Apr 12, 1998 12:00AM
In reading an article regarding orthostatic hypotension that was posted Dec. 30, 1997by CCF Neuro MD, I felt like the description the woman was giving was from me. My blood pressure is 90/71 and I, too, have pain in my hands. Mostly my thumb joint but also in my knees. I am 37 years of age and sometimes can barely bend my knees and when I do am in severe pain. With my thumb, there are times I can hardly hold on to certain objects because of the restriction due to pain. I was wondering what I should do for the hypotension and also if there is a correlation between the two. Although I feel I can handle more stress than the average person, I am under more lately than what I have ever been and will be for some time to come. Looking over other info I have read that this is related to hypotension. I really have no energy and drag throughout the day. Vitamins do seem to help but don't ease all symptoms. Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated
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Orthostatic hypotension has several causes. Often in otherwise normal individuals, it is due to inadequate blood volume which could happen for example in the summer and you don't drink enough water to keep up. Several neurological conditions may have orthostatic hypotension as a feature, but there are almost always additional symptoms or signs of a neurological nature.
Joint pain does not signify neurological problems per se. It may be related to arthritis or a "connective tissue" disorder best evaluated by a rheumatologist. You may be experiencing fibromyalgia, a painful condition which is also best evaluated by a rheumatologist.
A blood pressure of 90/71 is not necessarily bad. Young women frequently have blood pressure in this range and are normal. You didn't indicate whether it was lying or standing, and whether there was any change in going from lying (for 10-15 minutes) to standing (measured 3 times over 5 minutes). Therefore, it is not possible to say whether you in fact have orthostatic hypotension. If you experience lightheadedness when standing up, that may be an indication.
If your primary physician has not been able to help, see if you can be referred to a rheumatologist. Some conditions related to joint pain can be serious, others are more benign, but I think it's in your best interests to find out.
This information is provided for your general medical education only. Any specific comments regarding diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment options must come from your doctor after appropriate evaluation. I hope this helps. CCF MD mdf.
