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Undiagnosed Symptoms (Expert Forum)
Disabling muscle and joint symptoms
Questions in the Undiagnosed Symptoms forum are answered by Dr. Kevin Pho. Topics covered include breathing difficulties, feeling cold, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fever, indigestion, itching, nausea, numbness, pain (chronic), paralysis, rash, sweating, swelling, urination problems, and vomiting.
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Disabling muscle and joint symptoms
by jjean, May 18, 2007 12:00AM
I am a female. Age 54. I can not stand or walk for too long (10-20 minutes. My leg muscles burn and become stiff and heavy. The pain stops when I sit down, but the stiffness and heaviness remains. Also, my knees are very stiff, sore and weak. I can not get up, if I am sitting on the floor. And it is hard to get out of the bathtub, or climb 5 steps. My knees have no strength. Also, my upper back and neck are stiff, and if I bend over, it is hard to breathe. I feel a band of tightness around my chest. In the mornings, I have severe stiffness, which lasts several hours, especially in my low spine. (It gets better with activity). In 2005, I went to a new PCP, who took blood tests: (CBC, TSH, MET PANEL, SED, SED, RF); x-rays. The blood tests were normal, except for high cholesterol (120) and BP 152/78. The x-rays showed OA of my neck, lumbar spine, both hands, both knees and both ankles. And facet disease and DDD at all levels of my lumbar spine. Is it normal to have OA in so many places? In September 2006, my ankles and wrists became stiff and sore, and my outer ankles swelled up. (I lost 2 1/2 inches in height since 2001.) On my last visit, my doctor asked me to rise up onto my toes,and I could "not" do this. What other tests I should ask my doctor for? I also feel tired every day, with no hair growing on my legs. And I have rashes.
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-M.D.-, May 19, 2007 12:00AM
It is possible to develop OA in several locations. However, a systemic rheumatological disease should also be ruled out. The sedimentation rate and rheumatoid factor is reasonable. I would also obtain an ANA test. Negative testing here would make rheumatological disease less likely.
Nerve conditions can also lead to some of the symptoms you describe. An EMG test and referral to a neurologist can be considered to explore this possibility. Another neurological possibility would be myasthenia gravis. A tensilon test as well as antibodies looking for the appropriate antibodies can be considered.
No hair growing on the legs can also be due to circulation problems. Obtaining an ankle-brachial index can show possible vascular disease.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Nerve conditions can also lead to some of the symptoms you describe. An EMG test and referral to a neurologist can be considered to explore this possibility. Another neurological possibility would be myasthenia gravis. A tensilon test as well as antibodies looking for the appropriate antibodies can be considered.
No hair growing on the legs can also be due to circulation problems. Obtaining an ankle-brachial index can show possible vascular disease.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Also: just wanted to let you know that your not alone.