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I Have Arm And Hand Pain And Both Are Very
Question: I have arm and hand pain and both are very tender to the touch. The bottom of my feet are also very painful. My stomach is also very tender. This has gotten worse over 4 weeks. I went to the ER 2 weeks ago as I was concerned it may be a heart attack knowing that women have different symptoms. They gave me Tylenol with codeine and prednisone. I have not seen my family doctor yet.
Brief Answer:
Joint inflammation more likely, tests are needed.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Such pain with tenderness to the touch is most likely related to an inflammation of the joints, a rheumatological condition. The fact that in the ER you were prescribed prednisone indicates that the ER doctor considered that most likely as well. However he should have addressed you to your family doctor or a rheumatologist, prednisone is not a solution. In order to make the diagnosis of such conditions several blood tests for inflammation and autoimmune antibodies (common in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) are necessary in order to decide for long term treatment. So I think you should see your doctor as soon as possible in order for these tests to be prescribed.
Other possibilities would include a muscle condition. In order to exclude that again blood tests for creatine kinase and aldolase, enzymes raised in muscle damage are necessary, they are routine tests which can be included with those above.
Peripheral nerve damage, polineuropathy, would be another possibility, but I don't think it very likely given the distribution of the symptoms, should be considered only if the above is excluded by tests.
There is no indication of a heart issue, while it is true heart attack may manifest in different manners, this is in no way manner of presentation, not even in women.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Joint inflammation more likely, tests are needed.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Such pain with tenderness to the touch is most likely related to an inflammation of the joints, a rheumatological condition. The fact that in the ER you were prescribed prednisone indicates that the ER doctor considered that most likely as well. However he should have addressed you to your family doctor or a rheumatologist, prednisone is not a solution. In order to make the diagnosis of such conditions several blood tests for inflammation and autoimmune antibodies (common in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) are necessary in order to decide for long term treatment. So I think you should see your doctor as soon as possible in order for these tests to be prescribed.
Other possibilities would include a muscle condition. In order to exclude that again blood tests for creatine kinase and aldolase, enzymes raised in muscle damage are necessary, they are routine tests which can be included with those above.
Peripheral nerve damage, polineuropathy, would be another possibility, but I don't think it very likely given the distribution of the symptoms, should be considered only if the above is excluded by tests.
There is no indication of a heart issue, while it is true heart attack may manifest in different manners, this is in no way manner of presentation, not even in women.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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