When your body aches

Maxwell Adeyemi

SOME ACHES in the body are signals that something is not right in the body. And when you get this warning sign, you should do well to pay close attention to it and consider seeing your doctor. Below are various instances of body aches to watch and do the needful.

General body pains

Muscle pain that affects a small part of your body is usually caused by overuse, for instance sore arms from lifting boxes all day. Or it could be a minor injury, like a bruised shoulder after a fall. But when you ache all over your body it could be due to a variety of reasons and medical conditions.

Blood flow problem

If you have pain in your arms, legs, or both, your muscles may not be getting enough blood; this is a medical problem called claudication. At first you may notice it only when you exercise, but in time you might feel it when you sit or walk. This is usually caused by a condition called arteriosclerosis, which is when there’s blockage in the tubes that carry blood to your muscles.

Hypothyroidism

This is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of certain key hormones. It can cause muscle and joint aches, as well as swelling and tenderness. It can make you tired and lead to memory problems, thinning hair, dry skin, high cholesterol, slowed heart rate and other issues.

The flu or other infections

When a flu virus hits, it brings on fever and congestion, and it can make your muscles ache, especially in your back, legs and arms. It usually gets better on its own in a week or so, but call your doctor if it doesn’t. Other infections can also give you muscle aches including covid19 and HIV.

Medications

Drugs called statins are used to control high cholesterol and about 30 per cent of people who take them say they have muscle pain. If this is happening with you, talk to your doctor. They may be able to give you a different medication.

Lupus

This is a kind of autoimmune disease which causes your immune system, which normally helps protect your body, to attack your tissues and organs. When lupus affects your joints or muscles it can make them stiff and it can hurt to move. There’s no cure, but medication and certain exercises can help control your symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis

This is also an autoimmune disease and it mainly affects the joints and can lead to bone loss. It can cause pain and inflammation all over your body, and your joints may swell into odd shapes. Medication and physical therapy can help with your symptoms, but there’s no cure. In some cases you may need surgery to repair the affected joints.

Dermatomyositis

This autoimmune disease makes your muscles and joints ache and causes painful, itchy, red or purple rashes on your eyelids. It also makes spots on your knuckles, elbows, knees and toes, can dry your skin, thin your hair, and cause swollen, irritated skin around your fingernails. It can be triggered by infection, drugs or cancer.

Fibromyalgia

This condition can cause pain in your joints and muscles as well as problems with sleep, mood and memory. Scientists think it happens when your brain takes normal, mild pain signals and mistakenly makes them worse. It may be triggered by illness, surgery, or severe mental stress. Medicine can ease symptoms, and exercise and relaxation techniques may help.

Psoriatic arthritis

This condition is a mix of joint inflammation and a skin disorder. The joints of your hands, fingers, feet, knees and other places may feel stiff and throbbing. The pain might appear only on one side of the body, or it could be symmetrical on both sides. Psoriatic arthritis may limit your range of motion and leave you tired in the mornings.

Polymyositis

This happens when something, possibly a virus or a problem with your immune system, inflames muscles all over your body, especially in your abdomen, shoulders, upper arms, hips and heart. Over time your muscles can start to break down and it might be hard to swallow or catch your breath.

Chronic fatigue syndrome

The main symptom of this condition is extreme tiredness (fatigue) that can’t be explained by anything else. It may get worse with exercise or mental strain, but rest doesn’t make it better. You also may have muscle pain, memory problems, sore throat, joint pain and headaches, and you may not be able to sleep well. There’s no cure, but medication and physical therapy can help manage your symptoms.

Rocky mountain spotted fever

Caused by the bacteria R. rickettsii from a tick bite. Most of the symptoms are flu-like, including fever, chills, headache, nausea, insomnia and muscle aches. A rash that doesn’t itch can show up on your wrists and ankles after a few days, then spread. It is usually treated with antibiotics. If not treated, it can lead to inflammation in your lungs, heart and brain, then kidney failure.

Lyme disease

Bacteria from a tick bite also cause this. It can bring on fever, chills, tiredness, body aches and a headache. It can be accompanied by a “bull’s-eye” rash that’s clear in the middle and grows over a period of days. The rashes do not necessarily show up near the bite. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, but some people still have aches and tiredness after finishing the drugs.

Ankylosing spondylitis

It’s a type of chronic arthritis that inflames the spine and sometimes the hips, knees and chest too. It causes pain and stiffness, especially in the morning. Serious cases can lead to loss of motion in your back as the bones of your spine grow together. It also might affect the neck.

Polymyalgia rheumatica

This quickly brings pain and stiffness in your shoulders, neck, upper arms, buttocks, hips or thighs that can be worse in the morning. You also may have fever, fatigue, weight loss, depression and no appetite. Certain genes can make you more likely to get it. Some viruses also may play a part. Steroids can ease pain and inflammation and your symptoms may go away, but the condition can return.

Contact Dr Maxwell on 3631807 or 7575411