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Suggest Treatment For Back Pain, Joint Pain And Restless Legs
Posted on
Mon, 28 Dec 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 28 Dec 2015
Answered on
Fri, 29 Jan 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi, I have been suffering from aching joints and restless legs at night for a few months. My back is now hurting too. I have an underactive thyroid but my levels seem ok at the moment.
Brief Answer:
things to try
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question,
There are several causes of joint pains and back ache. If you are getting some osteoarthritis (joint pain from wear and tear) then taking glucosamine regularly may help with that as well as tylenol.
If you are overweight then losing even a few pounds may help with the back pain. If you are not exercising then beginning a walking program and doing some stretching like in a yoga class may help decrease your pain.
If the pain is more serious then you may have an inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. If that is the case then your doctor could do some blood tests to make that diagnosis. In that type of arthritis there is usually joint swelling and significant stiffness in the mornings.
The restless legs are a different problem and this usually requires a specific exmaination in a sleep lab to make that diagnosis and get a proper treatment. However, if the legs are just restless due to pain then dealing with the pain may be helpful.
In all forms of arthritis, exercise and physical therapy can help tremendously in decreasing pain.
Best wishes to you,
Dr. Robinson
things to try
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question,
There are several causes of joint pains and back ache. If you are getting some osteoarthritis (joint pain from wear and tear) then taking glucosamine regularly may help with that as well as tylenol.
If you are overweight then losing even a few pounds may help with the back pain. If you are not exercising then beginning a walking program and doing some stretching like in a yoga class may help decrease your pain.
If the pain is more serious then you may have an inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. If that is the case then your doctor could do some blood tests to make that diagnosis. In that type of arthritis there is usually joint swelling and significant stiffness in the mornings.
The restless legs are a different problem and this usually requires a specific exmaination in a sleep lab to make that diagnosis and get a proper treatment. However, if the legs are just restless due to pain then dealing with the pain may be helpful.
In all forms of arthritis, exercise and physical therapy can help tremendously in decreasing pain.
Best wishes to you,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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