I Am Female, Age 75, I Have Developed Generalized Aching Of Back. Legs, Arms - But Worst In Ankles When I Get Up And In Both Of My Thumbs. Take Aspirin And Live With It Or Could It Be Something That Should Be Treated?

Posted on Sun, 19 Mar 2023

Question: I am female, age 75, and have always been in very good health. I maintain a large yard, hike 3-4 times aweek 2-3 miles and take only 2 medications - ,25 xanax for anxiety and ambien for chronic insomnia. The past several weeks I have developed generalized aching of back. legs, arms - but worst in ankles when I get up and in both of my thumbs. Take aspirin and live with it or could it be something that shouldmbe treated. I have also become easily fatigued after any physical activity. There is no swelling. My weight is 130. bp has always been lower end of normal.

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get check up for following possibilities.

Detailed Answer:
Hi ,
Thanks for the query. I understand your concern.
I appreciate the lifestyle you are adopting at this age toobut would like to alert about being careful about certain possible elements which can develop with age.
The things you have mentioned are justified &normal ... but in my view following are the things you need to check with as a precautionary /preventive things .
1. At seventies there are following chances which can give you the symptoms -
A. Bonney/muscle weakness.. due to calcium ,vitamin D &vitamin B12 deficiency.
-Nutritional deficiency following on adequate proteins ,vitamins &minerals (including iron) due to inadequate eating /digestion... can lead to anaemia,skeletal weakness ..due to spinal,disc problem or deficiency of calcium &vitamin D or B12.
-Heart problem due to over exertion /age./breathing trouble.
-breathing/psychological problem due to smoking or aging or alcohol indulgence.
-Regular check up to exclude diabetes,liver,eye or thyroid problem
- Avoiding physical stress(you are already in contact with your psychiatrist.)
-2 yearly pelvic examination,pap smears SOS & breast check up .. colorectal check up to exclude possibility of cancer.
On my view skeletal &heart check up along with nutritional changes ,thyroid or should be more important in your symptoms ... Please have a physician &dietitions advise after needful investigations followed by specific management .
I hope that helps you. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thank .

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D