HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Burning Pain In Joints And Muscles?

default
Posted on Wed, 3 Jun 2015
Question: I am a 67 year old female. I am experiencing burning pain throughout many areas of my body. At times, it seems to be centered in joints, other times it seems to radiate in muscles - both arms and legs. I am at my wits' end as I feel like it is so hard to describe. Help!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Proper diagnostic work up is necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM.

I have gone through your query. Your problem can be due to any systemic inflammatory problems. So a proper diagnostic work up is necessary.

It can be due rheumatologic problems like rheumatoid arthritis or due to problems like vitamin D deficiency.

Do you have any morning stiffness, stiffness of joints after getting up in the morning?
Any other problems like chronic cough or any chronic infections like chronic sinusitis or chronic tonsillitis?
Is your joint pain symmetrical, like in both hand joints or both knees both hips?
Are you having diabetes or hypertension or thyroid disorders?

You should also go for a routine blood test as well as ESR and routine urine test.
In case of any systemic inflammatory disease your ESR will be raised. Vitamin D level and vitamin B12 level should be tested also.

Please update me the above informations.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (18 hours later)
The pain is in both sides - wrists, knees, legs

I do have hypothyroidism and take levothyroxine daily.

I do not have diabetes or chronic sinusitis, although I have a sinus infection about once a year.

You mention ESR. What is that?

Thanks. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
ESR is Erythrocyte sedimentation Rate, sign of systemic inflammation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.

Thank you for your follow up query.

ESR is Erythrocyte sedimentation Rate if increased then it is a sign of systemic inflammation. As you have symmetrical joint pain there is possibility of problems like rheumatoid arthritis. ESR will be raised in this also. If hypothyroidism is not controlled well also you can get these symptoms. Muscle and joint aches are usual for such cases.

So in this case you should check your TSH level to find out whether your hypothyroidism is well controlled. In case your ESR is raised a rheumatologic screening tests and consultation with a rheumatologist is needed. In such case you should go for Tests like Rheumatoid factor and ANA profile.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Nishad BN

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 5482 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Burning Pain In Joints And Muscles?

Brief Answer: Proper diagnostic work up is necessary. Detailed Answer: Hi Thank you for asking HCM. I have gone through your query. Your problem can be due to any systemic inflammatory problems. So a proper diagnostic work up is necessary. It can be due rheumatologic problems like rheumatoid arthritis or due to problems like vitamin D deficiency. Do you have any morning stiffness, stiffness of joints after getting up in the morning? Any other problems like chronic cough or any chronic infections like chronic sinusitis or chronic tonsillitis? Is your joint pain symmetrical, like in both hand joints or both knees both hips? Are you having diabetes or hypertension or thyroid disorders? You should also go for a routine blood test as well as ESR and routine urine test. In case of any systemic inflammatory disease your ESR will be raised. Vitamin D level and vitamin B12 level should be tested also. Please update me the above informations. I am happy to help you. Thanks.