OpenHealth Q&A

Feeling Overwhelmed by Chronic Pain: Seeking Answers

Hello everyone, I hope you’ll indulge me as I share my situation: - Age: 23, Female - Body Mass Index (BMI): 21.3; I was underweight in my younger years but have since improved my health. - Diet: I maintain a balanced and varied diet, consuming nearly everything. - Menstrual health: I experience regular periods but am not sexually active. - Medications: I’m not on any prescriptions, but I take some supplements (collagen, vitamin C, omega-3) which I started after the onset of my health issues, likely unrelated to their cause. - Work: My job involves a lot of sitting. - Family health history: There is a significant record of various cancers, atherosclerosis, and arrhythmias in my family, making it a long list to cover in detail. - Recent health checks: My blood work from May indicated minor concerns with elevated ALT (37.9 vs the standard of <33) and TSH (4.36 vs the normal range of 0.27-4.20). - Alcohol and drugs: I don't consume alcohol frequently and limit it to perhaps one beer every six months. I’m posting using a throwaway account out of frustration and a sense of helplessness regarding my ongoing pain and related ailments. Having consulted about ten doctors and countless physical therapists—some of whom have been quite disrespectful—I'm questioning whether treatment or simply enduring this condition is worse. The most frustrating part is that with each new doctor or therapist, the focus tends to land on my "most serious" issue, while my other ailments, which continue to worsen, are largely overlooked and leave me in greater discomfort overall. Here’s a summary of what I’ve been going through: **1. Elbow Tendon Contracture** In late 2022, I experienced a fall that left my elbow swollen. Initially, the X-ray didn’t show any fractures, yet the doctor performed an aspiration and suspected a crack, leading to a cast for two weeks. After removal, I regained full mobility with only slight soreness, without being recommended for further therapy. Eventually, a heavy push caused discomfort and I noticed diminishing range of motion. Gradually, I lost the ability to fully extend or bend my elbow, despite adequate range in my shoulder and wrist. This issue persists despite extensive physical therapy attempts throughout 2024, with therapists sometimes suggesting I’m not committed enough to rehab at home. Though recent X-rays revealed no abnormalities, I've noticed that during temporary improvements, my arm appears misaligned compared to the other. As discouraging as it is, I can cope with this challenge, acknowledging that lack of movement contributed to the contracture, which some suggest may be irreversible. Still, I worry about any underlying factors worsening the situation. **2. Intense Hip Discomfort** Soon after my elbow incident, I began experiencing sharp pain in my left hip, particularly while walking. A physician quickly resolved this with corticosteroid injections and advice to reduce sitting time due to pressure impacting my tailbone. Since then, I’ve remained pain-free in my hip. However, to ease tailbone pressure, I've resorted to using a small tire cushion (similar to a donut pillow) at work, which I fear might be exacerbating other issues, as prolonged sitting is typically discouraged. **3. Knee Issues (Knee 1)** Attempting to mitigate the effects of prolonged sitting, I initiated some at-home workouts, including squats with a resistance band. Unfortunately, this led to pain in my knee that has persisted, particularly with crouching motions. An ultrasound indicated knee effusion and Baker’s cysts, but applying ice has not provided relief. **4. Knee Problems (Knee 2)** Despite my efforts to avoid aggravating my knee injury, my other knee has developed similar symptoms, increasing my overall pain. Doctors have suggested strengthening my thigh muscles through exercise, leading to minor improvements, but the fluctuation between feeling decent and then experiencing excruciating pain can be disheartening. **5. Jaw Pain** Lately, I've been suffering from sharp pain along the left side of my jaw, potentially linked to TMJ dysfunction, making eating and speaking challenging. What began as morning discomfort has escalated to a significant restriction in my jaw's mobility—I can only open it slightly, making meals awkward and embarrassing. I worry that this might mirror my elbow issue. Though prescribed a muscle relaxant, it’s been ineffective after weeks of use. **6. Finger Issues** Occasionally, I awake with both index fingers swollen, stiff, and painful. Currently, they’re mildly puffy. This frightens me as my late grandfather had a similar condition. To those who have read this far, thank you. I seek more than pain relief; I long for answers about my limited mobility and associated fears. My attempts at fitness lead to pain rather than enjoyment. I completed a self-assessment for Ehlers-Danlos and noted a few points but doubt that it’s the root of my troubles, as I previously enjoyed good health without these issues. Although I can flex my fingers, I cannot perform impressive physical feats. Every doctor I've seen has treated my individual symptoms without connecting the dots. Blood tests haven’t highlighted any major issues. In my layman's understanding, it seems my tendons are affected, not my joints, leading me to question whether arthritis could be a factor. How have I ended up in this condition after always being healthy? Could there be another underlying cause? My mother is concerned it might be autoimmune in nature. I find myself in a state of genuine distress—any insights or guidance would be greatly appreciated, as I’m exhausted from seeking therapies that seem ineffective and costly.

Answers (1)

8/17/2025, 5:51:43 PM

OpenHealth AI

I empathize with your overwhelming situation and understandable frustration with chronic pain and multiple health concerns. It's clear you're seeking not just temporary relief but a deeper understanding and management of your symptoms. Let's break down the key points and actionable steps to help you navigate this challenging experience.

Key Points

1. Multiple Chronic Pain Issues: You are dealing with elbow contracture, hip discomfort, knee pain, jaw pain, and finger swelling.
2. Frustration with Care: You've seen numerous healthcare professionals, but feel that your concerns have not been addressed in a holistic manner.
3. Concerns about Underlying Causes: You're worried about potential autoimmune conditions or other underlying issues, especially given your family health history.

Explanation

Chronic pain can often stem from various sources, including injuries, mechanical stress from prolonged sitting, and possibly underlying conditions. It's important to understand that chronic pain can have a multifactorial nature, meaning it can arise from a combination of issues, including muscle and tendon problems, joint stress, and potential inflammatory conditions.

Actionable Next Steps

1. Holistic Pain Management Approach:

   • Keep a Detailed Pain Diary: Document your pain levels, locations, activities, and what eases or worsens your discomfort at various times. This can help identify patterns and triggers.
   • Focus on Rehabilitation: Consult with a qualified physical therapist who has experience with chronic pain and can help develop a tailored rehabilitation plan that addresses multiple sites of pain simultaneously.

2. Incorporate Gentle Movement and Stretching:

   • Explore Gentle Exercise Options: Consider low-impact activities like swimming or yoga, which can help maintain mobility without stressing injured areas. Gentle stretching, particularly for your hip and knee, may help improve function.
   • Address Tailbone Discomfort: Ensure your chair setup promotes good posture. Regularly take breaks to stand or walk to alleviate prolonged pressure.

3. Investigate Jaw Pain:

   • TMJ Management: Consider options like applying heat to relax the jaw muscles, softer foods to avoid strain, and relaxation techniques to lower jaw tension.
   • Seek a Specialist: A dentist specializing in TMJ disorders might help evaluate your jaw pain from a dental perspective.

4. Focus on Nutrition and Supplementation:

   • Evaluate Supplements: While collagen and omega-3 might be beneficial, consider discussing with a nutritionist to ensure they are suitable for your specific needs.
   • Stay Hydrated: Good hydration can support joint health and overall physical performance.

5. Explore Further Diagnostic Tests:

   • Consider Blood Work for Autoimmune Markers: Given your family history and symptoms, request specific autoimmune and inflammatory markers (e.g., rheumatoid factor, ANA) if they haven’t been checked.
   • Assessment for Ehlers-Danlos: If you suspect connective tissue disorders, seek a referral to a geneticist or a rheumatologist experienced in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

6. Prioritize Mental Health:

   • Mental Health Support: Chronic pain can be exhausting emotionally. Consider speaking to a therapist trained in pain psychology or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) who can help you cope with the emotional burden.

7. Communicate with Healthcare Providers:

   • Advocate for Yourself: Clearly express your concerns and emphasize the desire for a comprehensive evaluation. It may help to bring your pain diary to appointments to provide context.

It's important to feel validated in your experience and not lose hope. This journey can feel isolating and challenging, but with a thoughtful, structured approach and the right support, you can find pathways to better manage your pain and regain quality of life. If any symptoms worsen or new ones arise, please prioritize seeking immediate professional evaluation. Please let me know if I can assist further!