Disabling muscle and joint symptoms

[jjean]

I am a female.  Age 54. I can not stand or walk for too long (10-20 minutes. My leg muscles burn and become stiff and heavy.  The pain stops when I sit down, but the stiffness and heaviness remains.  Also, my knees are very stiff, sore and weak.  I can not get up, if I am sitting on the floor.  And it is hard to get out of the bathtub, or climb 5 steps.  My knees have no strength.  Also, my upper back and neck are stiff, and if I bend over, it is hard to breathe. I feel a band of tightness around my chest. In the mornings, I have severe stiffness, which lasts several hours, especially in my low spine. (It gets better with activity). In 2005, I went to a new PCP, who took blood tests: (CBC, TSH, MET PANEL, SED, SED, RF); x-rays.  The blood tests were normal, except for high cholesterol (120) and BP 152/78.  The x-rays showed OA of my neck, lumbar spine, both hands, both knees and both ankles. And facet disease and DDD at all levels of my lumbar spine. Is it normal to have OA in so many places? In September 2006, my ankles and wrists became stiff and sore, and my outer ankles swelled up. (I lost 2 1/2 inches in height since 2001.) On my last visit, my doctor asked me to rise up onto my toes,and I could "not" do this.  What other tests I should ask my doctor for?  I also feel tired every day, with no hair growing on my legs. And I have rashes.

[Forum-M.D.-]

It is possible to develop OA in several locations.  However, a systemic rheumatological disease should also be ruled out.  The sedimentation rate and rheumatoid factor is reasonable.  I would also obtain an ANA test.  Negative testing here would make rheumatological disease less likely.

Nerve conditions can also lead to some of the symptoms you describe.  An EMG test and referral to a neurologist can be considered to explore this possibility.  Another neurological possibility would be myasthenia gravis.  A tensilon test as well as antibodies looking for the appropriate antibodies can be considered.

No hair growing on the legs can also be due to circulation problems.  Obtaining an ankle-brachial index can show possible vascular disease.

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_

[jjean]

One doctor in internal medicine did ordered an ANA.  It was 1:40. (And the suggestion on the lab test was for an ENA/DNA test.  But the doctor never ordered it.)  Also, both of my big toes are bent sideways, like really bad bunions (since when I was about 10 years of age.  But they do not hurt). And the intern did not tell me if it was indicative of arthritis.  Any additional info would be appreciated.

[idesofmarch]

Are your big toes bent inwards towards the 2nd toe of each foot?  I have that and it was caused by wearing shoes that were too tight in the toe section.  I don't remember when it started but it seems like most of my school life. If they don't hurt it probably isn't related to arthritis or any other disease. Good luck with the rest of your health problems-try prayer, it works for everything.

[Debbi_K]

I have similiar symptoms. I am 35 and was diagnosed with Lupus when I was 25. The nerve type symptoms started about a year ago. I am also a diabetic. The doctors now think that I have swelling and fluid built up in my periphormis muscle, which puts pressure on the siatic (sciatic) nerve. (sorry for the misspellings). I just started physical therapy. Does anyone know what would be good to ease the pain. I work 32 hours a week, have 3 kids and a husband; and I'm also a girlscout leader. I need to be able to funtion for my kids.

Also: just wanted to let you know that your not alone.

[idesofmarch]

For the piriformis muscle, a shot directly into the middle of the knot was all that worked really.  Also if it acts up my Physical Therapist does certain stretches to losen it again before the spasm takes control.  For sciatic that isn't because of the piriformis muscle, I believe a PT and other stretches should work.  Also anti-inflamatory meds, whether it be prescription or OTC like advil in higher doses usually helps ease the pain.  Ice also works for me.