When Should You Worry About Bone Discomfort in Your Arms and Legs?
Around two months ago, I began experiencing sharp pain in my tibia, primarily on the right side, although sometimes it occurs on the left as well. This discomfort has intensified recently, manifesting as a pronounced ache localized mostly along the inner side of my leg, stretching from near my ankle up to my knee. In addition, I've noticed similar sensations in my lower arms, which feel more like a generalized deep ache rather than pinpointed pain. Occasionally, my legs also exhibit this dull discomfort. While neither condition causes significant pain, they are bothersome enough for me to take note of them. At seventeen years old, I have not experienced any growth in over a year, and my only diagnosed medical concern is hay fever. My activity level is quite low, which leads me to doubt that the leg issues could be shin splints. I stand at approximately 183 cm and maintain a healthy weight. I do find that I get random small bruises and my skin is quite pale—this paleness seems to have worsened recently. Despite having undergone a blood test last year that showed I was not anemic, I still experience swollen lymph nodes in my neck, which have persisted for over a year and occasionally cause considerable discomfort. Additionally, fatigue has become a frequent issue for me, and I have noticed increasingly pronounced dark circles under my eyes, though I’m unsure if these symptoms are related to the pain.
Answers (1)
8/27/2025, 10:36:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: You are experiencing persistent discomfort in your arms and legs, which may warrant attention given your age and ongoing symptoms. It's important to take these complaints seriously as they could indicate an underlying issue.
Explanation: The pain you are describing, particularly in the tibia and arms, along with your symptoms of fatigue, skin paleness, and swollen lymph nodes, suggests that it may be worth investigating further. Possible causes for your symptoms could include muscle strain, vitamin deficiencies (like vitamin D or B12), or even an underlying condition that affects your immune system or blood health, particularly given the presence of the swollen lymph nodes and fatigue.
The small random bruises, paleness of your skin, and dark circles under your eyes may indicate either a nutritional deficiency or another underlying health concern that could be contributing to your symptoms.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom journal for one to two weeks. Document the intensity, location, and timing of your pain, as well as any new symptoms that arise. Note any activities that worsen or alleviate the discomfort.
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Hydrate and Nourish: Focus on a balanced diet to ensure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Consider foods rich in iron (like spinach, lentils, and red meat) and vitamin D (such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and sunlight exposure).
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Physical Activity: Gradually increase your activity level if possible. Even gentle stretching or walking can help improve circulation and muscle function, potentially alleviating discomfort.
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Seek Medical Attention: Given the duration of your symptoms, particularly the swollen lymph nodes and fatigue, it's recommended to see a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. It may be worth discussing your symptoms comprehensively, as they might require blood tests or imaging to investigate further.
Remember, while some of these symptoms can be common, especially in adolescence, your combination of symptoms deserves proper assessment to rule out any serious concerns. It's important to address these issues proactively.
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