Unexplained Tendonitis with No Clear Diagnosis
Hello everyone, I'm reaching out to the Reddit community as I've hit a dead end and need some guidance. I'm a 27-year-old man serving in the military. During a 45-day training exercise in March, I discovered around ten ticks on my body, which I removed after about 38 days. I did not experience any noticeable redness or swelling at the sites of the bites. However, two weeks post-training, I started having issues with my wrist locking up, especially during pushups. Since then, my wrist pain has intensified, making it difficult to flex, particularly near my thumb. As the weeks went by, I also began to feel pain radiating to both my elbows and my other wrist, although the discomfort isn’t as severe as in my right wrist. I consulted my healthcare provider, underwent tests for Lyme disease, and received a negative result. I was advised to rest, with the assumption that it could be due to overexertion. By July, the pain had escalated to both knees and my right foot, making mornings particularly excruciating. I often find myself limping for the first few hours after waking up. Recently, I visited my new doctor to discuss my symptoms and the sequence of events. He conducted X-rays and extensive blood tests, but all results came back normal. He did observe swelling in my tendons around the joints. Based on these findings, he suggested physical therapy, treating my situation as a case of cumulative injuries. Yet, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something more at play here. There is no history of autoimmune disorders in my family. I regularly use Zyn nicotine pouches, but I’m planning to quit cold turkey and will also try eliminating gluten from my diet to see if that alleviates any symptoms. I am finding this situation increasingly challenging to manage, and I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you could share.
Answers (1)
8/23/2025, 7:21:08 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging situation with your joint pain and the uncertainty surrounding your symptoms. Chronic pain with no clear diagnosis can be frustrating and concerning. Here are the key points to consider:
Summary of Your Situation
You're experiencing ongoing wrist, elbow, and knee pain that has developed post-exposure to ticks, but tests for Lyme disease and other conditions have returned normal. Your new doctor has suggested physical therapy for cumulative injuries, but you're looking for additional insights or options.
Explanation
Your symptoms—particularly the locking of the wrist and pain radiating through other joints—could stem from several factors, including repetitive strain, inflammation, or other undetected conditions. While it's good that Lyme disease tests returned negative, there are other potential causes worth considering, including tendinitis, bursitis, or other inflammatory conditions.
The impact of nicotine withdrawal and dietary changes like gluten elimination may help in the long term but won't provide immediate relief for your current symptoms. Physical therapy can be beneficial because it often focuses on strengthening and improving the range of motion around affected joints.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Consistency with Physical Therapy: Engage fully with the prescribed physical therapy sessions. Regular appointments and exercises can help alleviate pain and improve function.
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Implement Self-Care Strategies:
- Rest and Ice: Apply ice to the affected areas for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate gentle stretching and strengthening exercises from your physical therapist to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
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Lifestyle Modifications:
- Quit Nicotine Gradually: If quitting cold turkey feels too challenging, consider a gradual reduction in usage. Nicotine can impact circulation and healing.
- Dietary Changes: If you suspect gluten may be contributing to your symptoms, try eliminating it for several weeks and monitor if there's an improvement.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting activities that provoke pain, any changes in the severity of symptoms, and your response to any dietary or lifestyle changes. This information can be crucial in future consultations.
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Consider a Specialist: If symptoms persist despite rehabilitation efforts, consider asking for a referral to a rheumatologist or an orthopedic specialist who focuses specifically on joint issues. They can conduct more nuanced assessments for potential inflammatory or autoimmune conditions that may have been overlooked.
Conclusion
It's understandable to feel uneasy with a lack of clear diagnosis, but implementing these steps should help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Remember that improvement can take time, and finding the right combination of treatments will be key. Continue seeking support from your healthcare providers as you navigate this journey. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further guidance!
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