Understanding Joint Discomfort
When should I worry about joint discomfort? I’m an 18-year-old female, weighing between 145 and 150 pounds, with a height of 5’7”, and I’m African American. Lately, I've been experiencing significant limitations. I find it challenging to cross my legs, sit on the floor, or rest anywhere other than a chair or an elevated surface without suffering from pain in my hips and knees, in addition to discomfort in my back. It honestly feels like I'm dealing with the body of an elderly person. My knees often ache most intensely, followed by my hips, and additionally, I have sporadic shoulder pain that mimics a torn ligament, primarily in my right shoulder. Moreover, I've been feeling unusually cold; I now keep my dorm temperature between 80 to 85 degrees just to feel comfortable, though I still occasionally shiver. In March, I have a scheduled appointment with my doctor to discuss some neck and ear pain that has improved from earlier discomfort, which was persistent and severe, to now where it flares up mostly at night and occurs every couple of days. Given that my primary care physician is based in my hometown and I don’t currently have access to her, should I wait until March, or would it be advisable to visit urgent care or the emergency room? What steps should I take?
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 6:00:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's important that we address your joint discomfort and overall symptoms seriously, especially given the significant limitations you're experiencing. While it can be tempting to wait, the combination of joint pain, difficulty with movements, and your unusual sensitivity to cold may warrant a more immediate evaluation.
Explanation
Your symptoms suggest a few possibilities, including inflammatory joint issues, possible autoimmune conditions, or other underlying health concerns that may need to be addressed sooner than your March appointment. The fact that you feel unusually cold while needing a warm environment is also noteworthy, as it could indicate a metabolic or thyroid issue, among other things.
Next Steps
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Consider Immediate Evaluation: Given the severity of your joint discomfort and other systemic symptoms, it would be advisable to visit urgent care or an emergency room. They can evaluate your joint and back pain more thoroughly and consider blood tests or imaging that may be necessary to identify any underlying issues quickly.
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Symptom Tracking: While awaiting your urgent care visit, keep a detailed log of your symptoms:
- Note when the pain occurs (e.g., time of day, activities)
- Rate your pain on a scale from 1 to 10
- Document any other symptoms like fatigue, changes in appetite, or unusual reactions to temperature.
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Self-Care Measures:
- Rest your joints: Avoid activities that exacerbate your pain.
- Cold and Heat Therapy: Use ice packs on painful joints to reduce inflammation or heat pads to help relax tight muscles.
- Gentle Mobility: As tolerated, perform gentle stretching or mobility exercises for your joints to maintain some function without overexerting yourself.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Maintain adequate hydration and consume a well-balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods (like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish).
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Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it can be tempting to search for conditions that match your symptoms online, it's important to have a healthcare provider live assess you for an accurate diagnosis.
Please prioritize seeking immediate medical attention to ensure that you receive an appropriate examination and care. Your health and comfort are essential, and it’s crucial to address these concerning symptoms as soon as possible.
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