What causes persistent pain in arms and legs during winters?

Posted on Thu, 21 May 2015

Question: I came south to Fla to escape cold winter thinking my arthritis would be better but have now acquired some strange symptoms, aches - all over, including muscles in arms, legs and have sciatica like lbp... I am only able to sleep for a couple of hours at a time as my arms and legs hurt so bad it wakes me up and I cannot turn over without waking up..... I have never experienced anything like this....the only time I feel ok is when I am in the pool with warmer water ... nighttime has become a nightmare! Any thoughts on what this might be...Have been in fla for almost 2 months shortly after a shot in my hip joint as I had groin and front thigh pain..... HELP! YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
indicates inflammation of joints.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have read your query.
There is possibility of increase in inflammation of your joints leading to persistent pain.
warmth decreases inflammation and lesds to relief from spam and pain.
you may need to continue warm fomentation with water bag or room heater.
you may need blood investigation also clinical examination for proper dose of arthritis medication.
Your doctor may start leflunamide or methotrexate.
Improve food by taking anti inflammatory diet.
I hope I have answered your questions. If you have further questions please feel free to contact us. I will be happy to answer. Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (10 hours later)

I have been using heating pad which helps - some...but not enough to help me sleep at night.... I won't be able to get in to see my doctor for several weeks yet...
anything I can take over the counter. Advil does not seem to be helping for pain and neither does the tramadol. What is an anti inflammatory diet?what is anti inflame diet? Can you recommend anything over the counter as I can not get in to see any doc for a couple of weeks?

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (27 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Anti inflammatory diet include fruits ,raw vegetables

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Anti inflammatory diet include fruits ,raw vegetables,fresh food,protein.
Avoid oily,spicy food.

You can take diclofenac with paracetamol medicine if its available over the counter.

I hope I have answered your questions. If you have further questions please feel free to contact us. I will be happy to answer. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar