Arm and Leg Pain

[sanshelp512]

My forearms and calves ache. Has anyone had similar symptoms? Treatment?

1. Ache in bulk of calves and forearms --- started ~ 2004.

2. Initially,  began midday,  and lasted till bedtime.

3. Now, it's 24/7 --- often wake up at 0100-0500 in pain.

4. Symmetric left/right, calves/forearms.

5. Relief by elevating legs or arms above heart.

6. Relief by squeezing calves or forearms.

7. Worse when taking Celebrex / Voltaren (back pain).
                Better when taking Norco / gabapentin.

8. Worse with certain diets: salty, acidic, red meat.

9. Not affected by wearing support socks.

10. No muscle redness, tenderness, or swelling.

11. No joint pain or stiffness.

12. No numbness,  no electrical sensations,  no twitches/jerks,          
                no burning,  no pins/needles,  no linear pain,                      
                no stabbing pain, except all toes are numb (even in bed).

Additional symptoms

13. Thinking reduced some days (better since started Armour,      
                but not 100%).

14. Frequent weakness/fatigue; left nipple slight tenderness;
                slight brittleness in fingernails.                                              

[sanshelp512]

Thanks, doctornee medical. Based on fact that pain is simulataneously symmetric left/right, both arms/legs, and there's no swelling, discoloration, or tenderness (see characteristics list above), the four (4) physicians I have consulted have chosen not to check me for dvt. Will continue consulting physician for hypothyroid (Armour, etc.) into '09 and see what develops.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for keeping me posted!
Along with hypothyroidism do get yourself tested for deep vein thrombosis. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[sanshelp512]

Thanks, doctornee medical. Wasn't aware varicose veins occurred in the arms. I've added "no veins showing, no discoloration" to my text description, also.

Have been checked for diabetes. Am following up on your suggestion of hypothyroidism.  

Appreciate reply;

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!

There is a possibility that these symptoms are due to varicose veins or due to deep vein thrombosis. A color Doppler will help reach a diagnosis. Other possibilities are diabetes and hypothyroidism.

It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please discuss this with your doctor and get yourself investigated accordingly. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!