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For Over 2 Wks Now The Pain In My Joins

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Posted on Sat, 25 May 2019
Question: For over 2 wks now the pain in my joins and muscles have become extreme. Mainly from my shoulders to elbows is the worst. In my lower back down my legs.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Autoimmune conditions may be a cause and need to be ruled out.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and understand your concern.

Thyroid issues, especially the inflammatory ones may indicate the presence of autoimmune diseases which may also affect the joints. So, it can be an autoimmune condition and tests to rule this out are needed. This is the case especially if you have swelling or redness or stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes in the morning.
These tests would be: CBC, ERS, ANA, RF and the doctor may ask other tests as well if he thinks it is necessary.

if you have no redness or swelling of the joints, the stiffness does not last more than 30 minutes in the morning, and the tests come out normal, then other conditions like ostheoarthritis or a viral arthritis may be considered.

Meanwhile, you can use ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours after food to help with the pain (if you are not allergic to anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin). You can take it together with Tylenol as they work with different mechanisms and boost the effect of one another. You may also need to take omeprazole 20 mg a half an hour before breakfast to help reduce stomach acidity and protect your stomach as ibuprofen might irritate it.

To conclude:
- autoimmune conditions, which do cause inflammation in different organs, including the joints, need to be ruled out. Proper examination and tests may be needed for this.
- ibuprofen combined with Tylenol will very likely help with the symptoms, be cautious of the stomach problems and take the pills after food and also consider taking omeprazol as well.

I hope this answers your query, let me know If I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (4 hours later)
Yes, I was told that I do have an autoimmune condition and beginning of ostheo problem from my last Doctor and was taking meds for my thyroid problems.
However, she moved, my coverages changed which I cannot afford the meds.
Therefore, this could be all what is causing this mess, correct?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thyroid problems may cause joint and muscle pain

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

Thank you for your reply.

I am sorry that you are not able to afford your treatment. Low thyroid function may cause joint and muscular pain so it may be that your symptoms are related to it.

On the other hand, to better know if it is the thyroid causing the problems or another autoimmune condition the thyroid medications may need to be restarted. If the symptoms improve with the medications than it is clear that low thyroid was the contributing factor. If you do not notice enough improvement with the thyroid medication then the mentioned tests for autoimmune conditions might be advisable.


I hope this answers your query, let me know If I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4435 Questions

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For Over 2 Wks Now The Pain In My Joins

Brief Answer: Autoimmune conditions may be a cause and need to be ruled out. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service, I carefully read your query and understand your concern. Thyroid issues, especially the inflammatory ones may indicate the presence of autoimmune diseases which may also affect the joints. So, it can be an autoimmune condition and tests to rule this out are needed. This is the case especially if you have swelling or redness or stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes in the morning. These tests would be: CBC, ERS, ANA, RF and the doctor may ask other tests as well if he thinks it is necessary. if you have no redness or swelling of the joints, the stiffness does not last more than 30 minutes in the morning, and the tests come out normal, then other conditions like ostheoarthritis or a viral arthritis may be considered. Meanwhile, you can use ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours after food to help with the pain (if you are not allergic to anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin). You can take it together with Tylenol as they work with different mechanisms and boost the effect of one another. You may also need to take omeprazole 20 mg a half an hour before breakfast to help reduce stomach acidity and protect your stomach as ibuprofen might irritate it. To conclude: - autoimmune conditions, which do cause inflammation in different organs, including the joints, need to be ruled out. Proper examination and tests may be needed for this. - ibuprofen combined with Tylenol will very likely help with the symptoms, be cautious of the stomach problems and take the pills after food and also consider taking omeprazol as well. I hope this answers your query, let me know If I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician