Persistent Muscle Pain for Months – Seeking Insights
Greetings, I find myself in a challenging situation and need to share my experiences. After consulting numerous healthcare professionals, I've yet to uncover the cause of my ongoing anguish. I'm enduring significant pain and am eager for any guidance or explanations that could shed light on my condition. I am a 27-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 6 inches and weighing around 220 pounds. I vape every day and consume alcohol about once a month, while I do not use marijuana. For the past seven months, I have been grappling with debilitating pain throughout my body. Official Diagnoses: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Hypermobility, Pilonidal disease (experienced three flare-ups this year). For the last seven months, it feels as though my body is waging war against itself. My ordeal began with intense pain in my left foot and calf—a sharp nerve sensation that prompted a visit to a podiatrist. Despite being diagnosed with peroneal tendonitis, imaging tests such as MRIs and X-rays did not confirm this diagnosis, leaving me puzzled. The pain was so acute that I developed a noticeable limp. I underwent physical therapy from August to November, but unfortunately, I saw no improvement. Doctors avoided steroid injections due to a potential risk of tendon rupture. I explored various footwear options, including Hokas and Brooks, which alleviated the discomfort somewhat, though it remains significant. At this juncture, I would rate the pain in my foot at a 4-5 out of 10, and I have recently started shockwave therapy. In August, I began to experience severe pain in the thoracic area of my back. I initiated physical therapy for this issue in October, yet the agony continues. Any twisting motion or walking beyond 2,000–3,000 steps provokes a flare-up, while staying under 2,000 steps keeps the pain around 6 out of 10. On November 17th, I received six cortisone injections in my back, which brought the pain down from 7 to 5.5 on average. Mornings are particularly difficult; movement helps to reduce the discomfort but physical therapy appears to neither improve nor worsen the situation. An MRI has been conducted, and I will review the results next week, but I expect them to be normal. Recently, over the past two weeks, I have been experiencing excruciating pain in my shoulder and neck region, particularly the trapezius muscle. The pain is sharp, making it nearly impossible for me to utilize my left arm for daily tasks; I even struggled to brush my hair this morning and experienced multiple disruptions to my sleep due to discomfort. Current Pain Levels: - Foot: 5/10 - Back: 6/10 - Shoulder/Neck: 8/10 Additional important observations: Upon taking ibuprofen, I notice significant relief; my foot pain diminishes to 1/10, back pain reduces to 3/10, and shoulder pain falls to 5/10. I am contemplating the possibility of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) because I have noticed that my skin turns red and becomes inflamed upon contact, plus I have dealt with chronic hives for my entire life. I tested positive for HLA-B27, yet X-rays do not indicate the presence of Ankylosing Spondylitis. I have been diagnosed with hypermobility but did not fulfill the criteria for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Tests for lupus returned negative results, and ANA tests were also negative. My CRP is at 19, ESR at 22, while all other levels (WBC, RBC, liver function, etc.) remain within normal ranges. What could possibly be happening? My foot experiences a temporary reprieve one day, only for my back to flare up, and then as my back starts to improve, my neck begins to ache. I have drastically limited my walking to 2,000–3,000 steps daily, as I have found this volume is manageable. I’m investing in optimal sleep positions and trying various pillows (including lumbar and leg supports), but none seem to provide relief. Typically, physical therapy works for me, as I have a history of muscle strains. I apologize for the length of this message, but any assistance or insights would mean a great deal to me.
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 7:40:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the significant discomfort you're experiencing. Your situation sounds challenging with multiple areas of pain impacting your daily life. Understanding the complexity of your symptoms is the first step towards relief. Let's break this down and consider some insights and steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Current Pain and Symptoms: You are experiencing persistent pain in multiple areas (foot, back, shoulder/neck) which worsens with activity.
- Existing Diagnoses and Tests: You have several diagnoses, including PCOS, hypermobility, and recurrent pilonidal disease, along with negative tests for autoimmune diseases.
- Potential Causes: Given the symptoms and your medical history, conditions such as MCAS should indeed be considered as they may contribute to your chronic pain and other systemic symptoms.
Explanation:
Your symptoms could arise from a combination of factors, including:
- Hypermobility: This can lead to joint and muscle pain, as well as increased susceptibility to strains and injuries. It may also contribute to chronic pain syndromes.
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): If you have reactive symptoms like redness or hives, this condition could potentially explain systemic pain and reactions to various stimuli.
- Nerve Irritation or Referred Pain: Your varying pain levels in different areas might indicate issues with nerve function or muscle regulation, particularly if the pain changes location often.
Despite negative tests for certain conditions, the ongoing presence of pain suggests that there may still be underlying issues not fully understood yet.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed diary of your pain levels throughout the day and any triggers you notice (specific activities, dietary choices, weather changes). This could help identify patterns impacting your pain.
-
Pain Management Techniques:
- Continue using ibuprofen for pain relief as it's effective for you. However, make sure to stick to recommended dosages and monitor for any side effects.
- Apply heat or cold therapy to affected areas. Heat can soothe stiff or tense muscles; cold can alleviate inflammation.
-
Physical Therapy Adjustments: If physical therapy isn’t providing relief, don't hesitate to communicate this with your therapist. They may need to adjust your treatment plan, focusing on strength training, stretching, or specific techniques targeting hypermobility.
-
Explore MCAS Likelihood: Discuss with your doctor the possibility of MCAS in more depth. If you suspect it, consider asking for tests that evaluate mast cell activity or other related markers.
-
Evaluate Lifestyle Factors: Reducing vaping and alcohol consumption can improve overall health and possibly augment pain management. Additionally, ensure you're engaging in gentle, low-impact exercises that do not exacerbate your symptoms.
-
Sleep Hygiene: Keep prioritizing good sleep posture. If pillows haven’t helped, consider consulting with a specialist about orthotics or adaptive devices that may help in our quest for pain alleviation.
-
Potential Specialist Consultation: A referral to a rheumatologist or pain specialist might provide additional insights, particularly for chronic pain syndromes or the broader implications of your symptoms.
Conclusion:
Your journey may feel overwhelming, but taking systematic steps can lead to improvements. A focus on managing your immediate pain through medication, therapy modifications, and lifestyle adjustments will be crucial. Continue to advocate for yourself in healthcare discussions, aiming for a tailored plan that addresses the multifaceted nature of your symptoms. Please continue to reach out for support as you navigate this, and keep me updated on your progress or any further questions you may have!
Related Questions
Painful Knuckle After Injury: Is It Arthritis or Something Else?
I'm a 37-year-old male, standing at 6'1" and weighing 170 pounds. I've been experiencing discomfort in the knuckle of my middle finger for the past four months. I have no prior medical conditions, don't take any medications, and I neither smoke nor drink, living in the USA. Several months back, during a move, I overexerted myself while carrying a large number of boxes, which resulted in injury to multiple fingers on my left hand, particularly affecting my middle finger. Initially, I didn’t notice any problem until a few weeks later when I felt a sharp pain while moving my fingers across a surface. Recently, while I’ve noticed some signs of improvement – I can now move my fingers without significant discomfort – the pain in my middle finger persists, especially when I attempt to crack the knuckle. This motion causes a sharp pain that lingers for about a minute. Observing the knuckle reveals a noticeable bulge on the right side, which wasn’t present before. Additionally, my other fingers are also experiencing some pain, which reinforces my belief that this is related to my moving activities. However, I am increasingly anxious about the possibility of developing arthritis in my middle finger. Despite the ongoing pain, I can still move my finger freely; there’s no limitation in mobility, and rubbing the knuckle doesn’t elicit pain – it’s just the cracking motion that causes discomfort along with the unusual bulge. I plan to consult with a physician about these concerns. Could this be arthritis, or is it more likely a tendon or ligament issue stemming from my recent move? Can such ligament or tendon issues lead to pain during knuckle cracking or cause swelling? This situation has definitely caused me more stress than it should have.
Sudden Sharp Pain in Achilles Tendon
I realize this topic has been discussed previously, but I haven’t come across a post that matches my specific experience, so I’m reaching out for some guidance: A little background: I’m quite a novice when it comes to running, but I’m gradually increasing my efforts. Just yesterday, I completed what felt like my toughest run to date, though it might still register as easy for seasoned runners. Here’s my setup: - 6-minute warm-up - 6 minutes of running followed by 1 minute of walking, repeated 5 times - 6 minutes to cool down - Additional stretching exercises Moments ago, I experienced a sharp pain in my Achilles—around a 7 out of 10 on the pain scale—that lasted for roughly 10 seconds before fading back to normal, leaving it feeling slightly chilly afterward. I didn’t hear any popping sounds. At the time, I was seated at my desk. This isn’t the first instance; I’ve had similar occurrences several times since I embarked on my running journey two years ago. In the past, I’ve taken breaks from running due to various life circumstances, and each time, the discomfort resolved itself. Now, I have a few questions: Why are these fundamental runs triggering this kind of pain? What measures can I take to alleviate it? Should I consider halting my running and starting from square one? (The thought of that is disheartening for me.) A bit about me: I’m a 35-year-old male, standing at 6'2" and weighing 180 pounds. I run 2 to 3 times a week and stretch nearly every day. Thanks for any help you can provide! :)
Navigating the Pain: Investigation for a 68-Year-Old Man's Hip and Thigh Discomfort
To set the stage for this case, it’s important to clarify that I'm sharing information about a family member rather than discussing my own health. The details provided are based on recollections and conversations, so the timeline may not be completely precise due to the nature of memory. I also want to acknowledge that my background is not in the medical field, and English is not my primary language. Therefore, please overlook any potential misinterpretations in terminology. I'm here to elaborate and answer any questions to the extent of my understanding. Here’s a summary of the relevant information: - **Patient Profile**: A 68-year-old male, measuring 184 cm (6 feet) in height and weighing 80 kg (175 lbs). He is of slim build with low muscle tone. - **Medical Background**: The only ongoing medication is for hypertension, which he has been on for approximately 15 years. This individual has a history of symptoms that may point towards issues such as esophageal stenosis or an unidentified dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). He frequently experiences food becoming lodged in his esophagus, inducing nausea. Occasionally, medical intervention has been necessary, such as the use of a gastroscope to alleviate these blockages. This has been a longstanding issue that appears to be worsening; however, it's unclear whether he has had a formal diagnosis, but it raises concerns about possible neuropathic conditions. **Surgical History**: Ten years ago, he underwent hip replacement surgery due to degenerative changes in the joint. There have been no discoveries of rheumatological conditions, with conditions related to the surgery noted as ruled out, although there may be some rare issue at play. **Timeline of Symptoms**: 1. **8-5 Years Ago**: He experienced intermittent pain in the hip and buttocks following the hip replacement, potentially exacerbated by inadequate physiotherapy and rehabilitation. 2. **7-5 Years Ago**: He started to notice that his bladder was not emptying completely, along with a heightened urgency to urinate, particularly at night. At this point, a diagnosis of benign prostatic enlargement was made. 3. **5 Years Ago**: Occasional muscle cramps and spasms developed in various muscles, including those in the feet and fingers, accompanied by some pain. This could be linked to electrolyte loss from the diuretic effect of his blood pressure medication. 4. **5 Years Ago**: He also experienced myokymia in larger muscle groups, such as the thighs, without any associated pain. 5. **2 Years Ago**: Severe swelling occurred in one leg, particularly around the ankle and calf, with some pain involved. No blood clots were detected, and the origin remains unclear. This coincided with a hot summer, possibly indicating an electrolyte imbalance. 6. **1 Year Ago to Present**: There has been an increase in pain and weakness in the hip and buttock area, radiating down the thighs. This discomfort has intensified recently, making it difficult for him to rise from a seated position without external support. His mobility has deteriorated to the point where he may need a walker, although he remains resistant to using one. 7. **1-2 Years Ago to Present**: There has been a reduction in blood pressure without any lifestyle alterations. He remains on blood pressure medication, but the dosage has been reduced by half. It's uncertain whether this is a symptom or simply a result of aging and a decline in vascular health. A few weeks ago, he underwent basic blood tests, which revealed results mostly within normal ranges, although some were borderline, such as elevated ALAT levels. He has a heavy alcohol consumption habit and maintains a somewhat restricted diet, which may lack variety, resulting in small portion sizes. He also tends to limit his fluid intake as he avoids nighttime bathroom trips. This combination of factors raises concerns about a possible electrolyte imbalance, although the symptoms seem too severe for that alone. Personality-wise, he is quite headstrong, which may be a factor but isn't likely a neurological issue. If anyone has insights or suggestions regarding the nature of his symptoms, it would be greatly appreciated. Could it signal a muscular, mechanical, vascular issue, or perhaps a deficiency? While I prefer not to contemplate serious conditions like MS or ALS, I’m open to any professional opinions based on the described symptoms. Finally, I'm eager to hear recommendations for tests, blood work, or imaging studies that could be useful in beginning to unravel this complex situation.
Tips for Avoiding Colds and Flu
My husband has caught a bad cold, and I (38F) am eager to stay healthy before the holidays arrive. Are there any effective strategies to prevent respiratory infections, or at least lessen their symptoms and shorten their duration if I do get sick? Currently, I’m taking several measures: - I usually take 2000 IU of vitamin D3 each day, but I’ve upped it to 4000 IU recently. - I'm supplementing with vitamin C (500 mg) along with zinc (10 mg). - I just started a 400 mg echinacea supplement after he showed symptoms. - I also enjoy echinacea tea blended with acerola and orange, even though it might not be particularly effective, it is quite delicious. - Furthermore, I’ve received both the COVID and flu vaccinations this year. To maintain my health, I’m making sure to stay well-hydrated and eat a nutritious vegetarian diet filled with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Due to our small living space, we’re unable to sleep in separate rooms, but I do keep the bedroom door open. I’ve begun using an air purifier whenever possible, although he finds the noise and airflow bothersome. We avoid sharing utensils, I wash my hands frequently, and I disinfect commonly touched surfaces every day. Are these steps going to make a difference? Is there anything else I should consider doing? Should I think about adding more supplements to my routine? I appreciate any advice you can offer!
Seeking an MRI for Persistent Shoulder Pain?
A 24-year-old woman diagnosed with von Willebrand Disease (VWD) and Celiac Disease maintains an exceptionally clean diet, focusing on whole, organic foods. She has no history of heavy lifting or traumatic events such as car accidents. For over five years, she has experienced shoulder discomfort, undergoing extensive evaluations including blood tests, X-rays, physical therapy, and consultations with a psychiatrist, all of whom have remarked, "This is an interesting case," yet none have been able to determine the cause of her pain. Despite her persistent requests for an MRI, healthcare providers prefer to exhaust all possible options beforehand. Initially, the pain was mild, but it has progressively intensified to the point where there are days when using her shoulder becomes extraordinarily challenging. On bad days, her pain reaches an intensity level of 8 out of 10, while on better days, it hovers around 3.5. Although a simple arm pop once alleviated her symptoms, she now endures a throbbing and stabbing sensation that radiates from her shoulder to her bicep, significantly impacting her ability to sleep and perform daily activities. In the past, she could achieve rapid relief by popping her shoulder, but that reprieve seems elusive as the years have passed. Despite trying both heat and cold therapy, she has found no improvement. She diligently stretches twice daily and avoids activities that could strain her shoulder. Initially, treatments like Lidocaine and tiger balm provided some comfort, but they have recently begun to irritate her shoulder instead, exacerbating the pain. Her hematology specialists do not believe that her VWD plays a role in her symptoms. Frustration mounts as she, along with multiple physicians, remains at a loss regarding the nature and source of her ongoing discomfort. The mystery of her shoulder pain only deepens, leaving her feeling bewildered and desperate for answers. 😓