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    What causes pain in the upper arms and stiffness in muscles?

Posted on Mon, 24 Jul 2017 in Bones, Muscles and Joints
Question: I have continued pain in both upper arms in the muscle. Effects sleep and pain can be severe. Also, sometime I feel like my legs will not support my weight and I am not overweight. The muscle pain has been going on continually for several months with the leg issue only the last few weeks.
Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal 1 hour later
Brief Answer:
Please follow up with the necessary details

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for trusting HCM

Before giving you an answer, I would like to know some specific details regarding your symptoms so that I can give you a clear diagnosis and guidance.

Do you experience pain throughout the day?
Do you notice increased muscle pain with activity?
Any associated joint pain or back pain?
Any trigger points for pain in the muscle, that is if you press anywhere do you notice increased pain?
Any stiffness in muscles and joints in the morning?
Have you noticed fever or skin rash along with the pain?
Are you on any medications like statins?
Associated fatigue or depression?
Any history of thyroid issues in the past?

There are few conditions that can cause chronic muscle pain. The answers to the above questions can help me give you a tailored answer.

Kindly follow up with the necessary details.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal 13 minutes later
Pain throughout the day
I have stopped yoga because I can't put pressure on arms for many of the poses so very little activity since this started
I have back and neck pain
Yes - I had a massage and two knots in my back when pushed increased the pain in my arm
Stiffness in arms in AM
No fever or rash
No meds like statins
Fatigue because I cannot sleep
Just diagnosed with thyroid issue a month ago and on meds

Thank you
Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal 3 hours later
Brief Answer:
Possible Diagnosis: Fibromyalgia

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for following up,

The muscle pain and associated symptoms like morning stiffness, fatigue, decreased sleep etc you are experiencing are likely due to fibromyalgia. A thorough physical examination can confirm the diagnosis. I would also recommend getting your ESR levels checked in order to rule out an inflammatory cause for the pain.

Management of Fibromyalgia includes anti-depressant like Duloxetine.
-You can continue using Advil. You can also add Tylenol for added pain relief,
-Muscle relaxant like Cyclobenzaprine (Amrix) can be tried
-Physical therapy, massage therapy, water aerobics can also be helpful.
-Try avoiding stress and practice relaxation techniques like meditation.

Management of sleep problem in Fibromyalgia:
-Go to bed at same time every day
-Do not take naps during the day
-Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol (if at all consume)
-Avoid spicy, fatty food for dinner
-Do not use electronic devices in bed
-Have dinner at least an hour before bedtime.
-If these measures fail, then medications like Xanax can be tried.

I would also recommend getting your thyroid function test done to see the treatment has normalized your thyroid levels. Increased/decreased thyroid hormone levels can contribute to muscle pain.
X-ray of joints in the arms and legs are also indicated to rule out any joint problems like arthritis.

Please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider to undergo necessary investigations and confirmation of diagnosis.

Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3186 Questions


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