Mysterious Pain in Arms and Legs
Last Wednesday, I began to experience significant discomfort in my legs. Initially, I assumed it was just muscle fatigue from my squats; however, the sensation worsened and developed into a burning pain. I noticed that the area behind my left knee was particularly sensitive when touched. Although my legs are starting to improve, I am now struggling with stiffness and swelling in my arms and wrists, making it painful to apply any pressure with my hands, and my grip strength has diminished. I have scheduled a blood test for Thursday. Could there be a reason behind these symptoms? Should I request my general practitioner to perform additional examinations? I have a young child, so the inability to function normally is significantly affecting our daily life. Thank you in advance for any insights you can provide.
Answers (1)

8/2/2025, 1:10:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing concerning symptoms affecting both your arms and legs, including pain, stiffness, and swelling, which is understandably impacting your daily life as a parent. These symptoms can be associated with several conditions, including overuse injuries, inflammation, or other underlying medical issues such as autoimmune disorders or infections.
Explanation
The initial discomfort in your legs after squats might suggest muscle fatigue, but the progression to burning pain, sensitivity behind your knee, and stiffness in your arms and wrists indicates a more complex issue. The inflammation you're experiencing can lead to restricted movement and pain, which could disrupt your daily activities significantly.
Prioritized Next Steps
- Blood Test Review: As you have a blood test scheduled, it’s important to follow up on those results. They can provide essential insights into inflammation levels, possible infections, and how your body is responding to these symptoms.
- Symptom Diary: Keep a diary documenting your symptoms — noting when they occur, their intensity, any triggers (such as activity levels), and what helps relieve them. This information can be very useful for your healthcare provider.
- Rest and Ice: In the meantime, focus on resting your arms and legs. Applying ice can help with swelling and pain. Aim to ice the affected areas for about 15-20 minutes every few hours.
- Gentle Stretching and Movement: While it’s essential to rest, gentle stretching of your arms and legs might help maintain some mobility. Avoid strenuous activities until your symptoms improve.
- Follow-Up with Your GP: Discuss your symptoms with your general practitioner based on the blood test results. If you feel your current symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, communicate this to your provider as it may warrant further examinations or referrals to a specialist.
The goal here is to alleviate your symptoms while ensuring the underlying issue is properly addressed. If your ability to care for your child is significantly impacted, make this known to your healthcare provider, as it may help prioritize urgent care for your condition. Take care, and please feel free to reach out if you have further questions.
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