Understanding Daily Tendon Discomfort: My Ongoing Struggle
Age: 24 For more than a decade, I have been grappling with tendon discomfort in various parts of my body. This persistent issue has left me feeling quite unwell overall, and I am eager to understand the underlying causes. Initially, the discomfort began in my shins, a concern that seemed reasonable given my history of running. Yet, during my years of running prior, I encountered no such problems. The shin pain lingered for five years, and I still experience swelling and discomfort, particularly in my right shin. In addition to this, I frequently endure pain in my forearms, beneath my shoulder blades, and in my feet. Recently, my wrists have been particularly troublesome, causing severe pain that I suspect may be pinching a nerve, as I experience shooting sensations down my arm during these episodes. For the past week, I have also been feeling pain behind my knee. It’s important to note that I believe my health has gradually deteriorated over time, but I do not engage in excessive physical activity. I make efforts to maintain muscle without overexerting myself as I once did. Approximately four years ago, I underwent testing for autoimmune diseases, revealing an ANA titer of 1:160, but further tests indicated no significant findings. However, a recent ANA test this past September came back negative. The pain I experience is never symmetrical; it typically affects one side of my body while occasionally switching to the other, but I rarely feel it on both sides simultaneously, except during running. I am seeking insights into what might be contributing to these ongoing issues. My rheumatologist has expressed doubts regarding a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and I have tested positive several times for tularemia. I completed a two-week course of doxycycline but have noticed no changes in my condition. Any advice or thoughts on this matter would be greatly valued!
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 5:01:03 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with significant discomfort from various tendon issues for a long time, which must be frustrating and exhausting. Persistent tendon discomfort can arise from several factors, ranging from overuse to underlying conditions. Given your symptoms and history, it's important to approach this systematically.
Summary of Key Points:
- Chronic Tendon Discomfort: Your long-term tendon pain, particularly in the shin and wrist, raises concerns about possible overuse injuries or other underlying issues.
- Autoimmune Factors: Your ANA tests and past testing suggest monitoring for autoimmune conditions, even if your recent tests returned negative.
- Diverse Symptoms: The variation in your symptoms and locations points to multiple potential contributing factors rather than just one condition.
Explanation:
Tendon discomfort can stem from various causes, including:
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon due to overuse or strain. This is common in runners and can occur even with decreased activity if past overuse has left residual effects.
- Tendonopathy: A degeneration of the tendon which can occur even without inflammation, typically due to chronic strain.
- Autoimmune conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can cause joint and tendon pain, but your recent normal ANA results may lessen these concerns.
- Nerve issues: The shooting pain you experience could indicate potential nerve entrapment or irritation, which can occur independently of tendon issues.
Next Steps:
- Activity Modification: Limit activities that worsen your symptoms. Consider low-impact exercises that do not strain your tendons, like swimming or cycling.
- Strengthening and Stretching: Start gentle strengthening and balancing exercises targeting tendons and surrounding muscles. Incorporate stretching routines that focus on the affected areas, especially your wrists, shins, and forearms.
- Ice and Anti-Inflammatories: For immediate relief, use ice on painful areas and consider over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (if you have no contraindications) to reduce pain and swelling.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, activities, and any triggers. This information can be invaluable for you and your healthcare provider in identifying patterns or potential causes.
- Physical Therapy: Consider seeking out a physical therapist for a tailored program that can address your specific pains, including strengthening and flexibility exercises.
- Follow-Up on Autoimmune Assessment: If symptoms persist or worsen, it might be worthwhile to revisit your rheumatologist for further assessment, perhaps including new tests for other autoimmune conditions or conditions like fibromyalgia.
Stay hopeful, and remember that persistent symptoms often require a multifaceted approach to management. Please keep track of your progress, and remember that support, whether from professionals or support groups, can be beneficial in managing chronic discomfort. Let me know if you need further details about any specific aspect!
Related Questions
Is There a Risk of Lasting Nerve Damage from Walking on a Frostbitten Foot?
Greetings everyone, I’m a 33-year-old woman standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 155 pounds. I used to smoke but have since quit. A few weeks ago, I experienced superficial frostbite on my foot, with symptoms ranging from mild to moderate severity. Since that incident, I have been dealing with the following issues: - Sensations akin to electric shocks, particularly noticeable after I walk. - Heightened sensitivity to cold, as my foot feels noticeably chillier than the rest of my body. - Swelling and discomfort, even after brief indoor walks. Additionally, I suffered a Lisfranc injury earlier this year, which has prolonged my recovery and walking abilities. An MRI scan revealed no fractures or damaged ligaments; however, it did indicate bone bruising and early signs of disuse, known as osteopenia. I’m also battling a significant deficiency in vitamin D, with levels at 10 ng/mL. I have recently begun taking short walks around my home while wearing supportive footwear, and afterward, I make sure to elevate my foot. My primary worry is whether even moderate walking could risk inflicting lasting nerve damage on a foot that is still in the recovery phase from both frostbite and a previous injury. If anyone has encountered a similar situation or can provide any medical perspective, I would greatly value your advice. Thank you! 🙏
Is Walking on a Frostbitten Foot Risky for Long-Term Nerve Damage?
Greetings everyone, I’m a 33-year-old individual standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 155 pounds. Recently, I suffered a mild to moderate case of superficial frostbite affecting my foot. Since then, I’ve encountered several issues: • Unpleasant electric-like sensations, particularly noticeable after walking • Heightened sensitivity to cold—my frostbitten foot feels significantly cooler than the rest of my body • Swelling and unease following even brief walks within my home An MRI scan revealed no broken bones or tears; it only indicated bone bruising and some evidence of inactivity. Additionally, I have low vitamin D levels, measuring at 10 ng/mL. To aid in my recovery, I have begun to walk gently while wearing supportive footwear, followed by periods of rest and elevating my foot. My main question is: Could engaging in walking, even if it’s cautious and limited to short distances, potentially exacerbate my condition or lead to irreversible nerve damage as a result of the frostbite? If anyone has gone through something similar or has relevant medical expertise, your insights would be immensely helpful. Thank you! 🙏
Injury from Rusty Locker
Greetings! I'm a 22-year-old man from Argentina. While at the gym, I accidentally injured myself when handling my backpack in a locker, scraping my skin on the rusty metal of the door or lock. In response, I promptly cleaned the cut with soap and water and applied povidone-iodine, which a gym staff member recommended. I have since secured the area with a band-aid. However, I tend to be prone to health anxieties (which I am addressing through therapy), and I’m concerned that this minor injury might lead to significant complications. I'm reaching out for advice on whether I should consider getting a vaccination or booster shot given the circumstances of this small cut. As far as my medical history goes, I don’t have any serious conditions beyond anxiety.
Should You Worry About Blood-Tinged Mucus in Your Stool?
27-year-old male, measuring 6 feet and weighing 220 pounds. This morning, I experienced a bowel movement and noticed what seemed to be blood mixed with mucus on my stool. The color was neither vivid red nor deep dark, but it definitely raised some concerns for me as this is an unusual occurrence for me. Just two months ago, I underwent a colonoscopy which showed no significant issues, with the exception of some internal hemorrhoids. Last night, I also experienced a sudden bout of abdominal cramps followed by diarrhea, which might be relevant to this situation. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Understanding Abnormal EBV Blood Test Results
I’m a 42-year-old woman, standing at 5'2" and weighing 140 pounds. I’ve been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD)—though I have my doubts about that—and panic disorder. Currently, I am on Pristiq at a dosage of 100mg. My journey with antidepressants began roughly five years ago. Other than a minor Vitamin D deficiency, all my recent blood tests have returned normal results. However, I’ve consistently faced persistent fatigue since starting the medication. Over the past couple of years, various health professionals have described my blood work as nearly flawless. Despite this, I underwent another test recently due to my ongoing exhaustion and lack of motivation, which revealed some concerning EBV levels. The test results showed: - EBV Early Antigen Antibodies, IgG: 21.6 U/mL - EBV Antibodies VCA, IgG: 181 U/mL According to the reference ranges provided by Labcorp, these figures are significantly elevated. Naturally, I turned to the internet to seek answers, which has left me feeling quite anxious about dire possibilities such as cancer or severe chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) issues. While I’ve read various articles on this subject, I’m not a medical professional. Should I be deeply concerned? Is this kind of elevated reading typical for someone who has contracted the virus and carries it throughout their life? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.