Total Body Aches And Fatigue

Underactive Thyroid And Fatigue

Symptoms: Extreme fatigue, sluggishness, feeling run-down, depression, cold intolerance, weight gain

The problem may be a slow or underactive thyroid. This is known as hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of your neck. It helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy.

According to the American Thyroid Foundation, about 17% of all women will have a thyroid disorder by age 60. And most won’t know it. The most common cause is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s stops the gland from making enough thyroid hormones for the body to work the way it should. The result is hypothyroidism, or a slow metabolism.

Blood tests known as T3 and T4 will detect thyroid hormones. If these hormones are low, synthetic hormones can bring you up to speed, and you should begin to feel better fairly rapidly.

Pots: A Little Known Cause Of Extreme Fatigue

Everyone knows what being tired feels like at the end of a long day. But some people experience fatigue so severe and so seemingly random that its hard to describe. If that sounds familiar, there could be more going on than daily stress.

While there are many causes of fatigue, one of them is frequently missed and misdiagnosed: postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome . Physical medicine and neuromuscular specialist Tae Chung, M.D., answers questions about POTS and extreme fatigue as one of its symptoms.

Insomnia Makes It Worse

It’s easy to understand how living in agony can disrupt a good night’s sleep. When we hurt, it can be so distracting that settling in for sleep becomes difficult. What’s a little more difficult to understand is how lack of sleep can make painful problems even worse. Some studies indicate that poor sleep causes you to feel pain more intensely. The reasons for this haven’t been determined. But if it’s so, then a good night’s sleep could help ease your pain — and easing your pain could help you get better sleep as well.

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Related Signs And Symptoms

Body aches are often experienced in conjunction with other symptoms, which can be helpful in determining the underlying cause of your soreness. Common symptoms you might experience in addition to body aches include:

• Fatigue: You may feel tired, fatigued, exhausted, like its difficult to move, or like your body is heavy or weighed down.
• Chills: You may also shiver, feel abnormally cold without any cause, or complain that you feel chills running through your body.
• Fever: Fevers, or body temperatures of more than 100° F , are often associated with feelings of muscle achiness or soreness.
• Headache: Headaches are another symptom commonly linked to body aches.
• Sore throat: Body aches and sore throat, nasal congestion, or runny nose can be experienced simultaneously.

What Is The Treatment For Sore Throat And Headache

Usually, you can treat sore throat and headache with at-home remedies. If you have strep throat, your provider will prescribe antibiotics to get rid of it. Take all the medicine, even though youll start to feel better within a day or two.

At-home treatments for sore throat and headache include:

• Fluids, especially water, tea with honey, soup or broth.
• Throat lozenges or ice cubes.
• Warm saltwater gargle.
• Cool compress on your head.
• Plenty of rest.

If your child has a headache and sore throat, remember:

• Choose the right medication: Dont give aspirin to young children. It may cause a life-threatening condition called Reyes syndrome. Make sure to choose pain relievers made for infants and children.
• Avoid hard candies: Lozenges or other hard candies can be a choking hazard for young children.
• Dont give honey to babies: Avoid giving honey to infants under a year old. Babies dont have defenses against infant botulism.

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Research And New Developments

Versus Arthritis is funding a number of research studies into the causes, effects and treatment of fibromyalgia. Some examples include:

• A study at the University of Cambridge is looking at why things that wouldnt normally be painful, such as sound, light and gentle touch become painful for people with fibromyalgia, and whether brain signals that process pain differ in people with fibromyalgia.
• Research underway at the University of Sussex is examining how the bodies natural fight and flight response to stress might be altered in people who have fibromyalgia. This work is also looking at the role inflammation might have in this process.
• We are funding work at the University of Liverpool investigating how the brain processes pain signals. It has been found that in people with long-term pain such as fibromyalgia there are differences in the structure and activity in the parts of the brain that process pain signals. Using mathematical modelling, this work could help to match people up with the best treatment option for them.
• We are also investigating how to improve healthcare services for people with fibromyalgia. Research being carried out at the University of Aberdeen is looking at how long it took people with fibromyalgia to get diagnosed and where in the system improvements can be made.

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Joint Pain: Youre Not Alone

In a recent national survey, nearly one out of every three adults in the US reported having joint pain within the last 30 days. In this survey, deep pain was the most common complaint, followed by shoulder and hip pain

Joints connect your bones together, providing your body with support as you move. Joint pain can impact just about any part of your body, including the ankles, feet and hands. While joint pain can occur at any age, it becomes increasingly common as a person ages.

Damage to your joints caused by injury or disease cannot only interfere with movement, but can also be a common cause of pain. Some of the most common conditions leading to painful joints include rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, osteoarthritis, gout, strains, sprains and other injuries, such as in sports.

As with back pain, joint pain can vary greatly in terms of severity in the amount of time that it lasts. For example, joint pain that resolves within a few weeks is referred to as acute. However, many people suffer from chronic joint pain, or pain that lingers for weeks or months at a time.

Other common causes of joint pain include:

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Allergies Hay Fever And Fatigue

Symptoms: Fatigue, headache, itchiness, nasal congestion, and drainage

Allergic rhinitis is a common cause of chronic fatigue. But allergic rhinitis often can be easily treated and self-managed. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will assess your symptoms. The doctor will also find out, through a detailed history or testing, whether your allergies are triggered by pollens, insects , animal dander, molds and mildew, weather changes, or something else.

One way to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis — including fatigue — is to take steps to avoid the offending allergen. In addition, proper medication can help with symptoms. Drugs that might help include:

• Leukotriene modifiers
• Mast cell stabilizers

Allergy shots — immunotherapy — may help in severe cases. This treatment involves weekly shots of increasingly higher solutions of the offending allergens. Allergy shots take time to be effective and are usually administered over a period of 3 to 5 years.

Remedies And Treatments For Neck Stiffness

At-home remedies will usually help with the majority of early-stage neck stiffness:

• Apply an ice pack to numb the area and soothe inflamed muscles.
• Take an over-the-counter painkiller, like Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve.
• After a day or two, apply a heating pad or warm compress.

During the next few days, take these precautions:

• Be aware of your movements. Try not to jerk your head quickly or twist your neck. This can cause inflammation.
• Try gentle stretches, moving the head back and forth, then up and down.
• Ask a friend or partner to massage the sore area.
• Wear a neck collar for a few hours to rest stiff neck muscles.
• Sleep without a pillow, or use one thats specifically designed to support the neck.

Its possible to prevent a stiff neck. The majority of neck pain is a combination of bad posture, injury, or general wear and tear as you age. If you experience neck stiffness often, try making some simple adjustments:

Watch Your Posture

Shoulders should be in a straight line over your hips. Ears should be in line with your shoulders.

Adjust Desk Furniture

Your computer should be level with your eyes. Consider raising or lowering your desk monitor or laptop. When you sit, adjust your chair to ensure the knees fall slightly below the hips.

Use Headphones or Speakerphones

If you hold your phone between your ears and shoulder, or look down to text, youre putting the neck in an awkward position that could cause muscle strain. Wear headphones or use your speakerphone instead.

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Symptoms Of Glandular Fever

Glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus . Symptoms are thought to take about one to two months to develop after infection with the virus.

The most common symptoms of the condition include:

• a high temperature
• a sore throat this is usually severe, but in an older adult, or very young child, the infection may be present without a sore throat
• swollen glands in your neck and possibly in other parts of your body, such as under your armpits

Glandular fever can also cause:

• a general sense of feeling unwell
• loss of appetite
• pain around or behind your eyes
• swollen tonsils and adenoids , which may affect your breathing
• the inside of your throat to become very red and there may be a whitish coating
• small red or purple spots on the roof of your mouth
• swelling or puffiness around your eyes
• a tender or swollen tummy

Some of these symptoms may develop a few days before the main symptoms mentioned above.

While the symptoms of glandular fever can be unpleasant, most of them should pass within two to three weeks. Fatigue, however, can occasionally last several months.

Quick Dose: When Should I See A Physician For Muscle Aches And Joint Pains

Most people experience aches and pains at some point, usually caused by tension, stress and overuse. However, if you also have other symptoms, your body could be trying to tell you something.

Muscle aches and joint pain may occur as a result of a change in medication. This is most commonly associated with statins or antibiotics. You may also notice a skin rash or red eyes. Over-the-counter medications can provide some relief of these symptoms.

Muscle pain throughout your entire body may indicate an infection or illness. Other accompanying symptoms, such as inflammation, lack of sleep or a fever may indicate you have the flu.

Generalized muscle pain accompanied by fatigue memory or mood issues significant weight loss or weight gain hives or tingling in the hands, legs or feet may be a sign of fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders such as lupus or polymyositis, or thyroid problems.

Joint pain can occur if you injure any of the ligaments or tendons surrounding a joint. Joint pain accompanied by fatigue, fever, hair loss, or dry mouth or eyes can be a sign of arthritis, Lyme disease, lupus or gout. If you experience joint pain frequently, you may also notice worsened symptoms during seasonal changes, particularly during cold, wet weather.

Try using self-care measures at home to soothe basic aches and pains: Get plenty of rest, and try ice, a heating pad or a hot bath. If your pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, be sure to talk to your physician.

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The Flu Or Other Infections

When a flu virus hits, it brings on fever and congestion, and it can make your muscles ache, especially in your back, legs, and arms. It usually gets better on its own in a week or so, but call your doctor if it doesnât. You also should see them if you have other health problems and you get the flu or you have a cough that doesnât go away. Other infections can also give you muscle aches, including COVID-19 and HIV.

What Causes Body Aches When Youre Sick

When you have the flu, a common cold, a virus or a bacterial infection, your immune system jumps into action. It reacts by releasing white blood cells to fight off the infection. The reaction causes inflammation, which can leave your muscles feeling achy.

The good news is that your achiness is a sign that your body is fighting off the illness. But the harder your body works, the more severely the body might ache.

Full-body aches are also often accompanied by other symptoms including:

• Shivering or body temperature changes
• Cold and flu-like symptoms

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Stay Away From Refined Or Processed Foods

You should focus on eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid eating processed and packaged snack foods, which contain food additives that are often not rigorously tested enough to determine safety of long-term consumption. Some food additives are classified as excitotoxins, which may trigger or perpetuate fibromyalgia symptoms. Its also a good idea to limit white carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, and rice, as well as sugary foods, sweets, and sweetened beverages. These refined carbohydrates cause an increase in blood sugar with a resulting insulin spike that may also exacerbate symptoms. Focus on whole grains and complex carbohydrates that provide fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

It can be challenging to find the energy necessary to cook and prepare healthy foods when you have fibromyalgia. But its important to eat well to keep your body healthy and your energy levels up. Look for steamer bags of vegetables in the produce and freezer sections of grocery stores, and bagged salads. These options help to cut down on the time required to wash, prep, and prepare produce, and may help you consume it more often.

Last medically reviewed on March 4, 2016

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• Fibromyalgia diet.

Symptoms Of Fatigue In Inflammatory Arthritis

Just like there are many causes of fatigue, there are also many symptoms that may indicate what you have is inflammatory arthritis-related fatigue. Its very subjective and not quantifiable with a lab or measurable outcome, which is why fatigue can feel so frustrating and overwhelming, says Dr. Cohen. You cant quantify it, but you know its not normal.

Heres a look at some of the key symptoms to discuss with your health care team:

Extreme tiredness

Dr. Khattri says that while symptoms of fatigue and feeling tired do overlap, fatigue is often at the extreme end. You feel like you have no control.

With normal tired you know sleep can fix it, says CreakyJoints community member Lel. Fatigue decides when its over youre just a helpless bystander.

Change in energy levels

While some patients wake up feeling fatigue, others experience sudden, overwhelming changes in energy levels and simply hit a wall.

RA fatigue stops me in my tracks. I feel myself fading out suddenly, then I have to rest . It feels like sandbags dropped on me, says CreakyJoints community member Kristina H. It hits me around the same time every day, or sometimes I wake up knowing its going to be a low energy day.

Increase in flares

Poor sleep

Research shows that poor sleep can make the symptoms of fatigue worse, increasing sensitivity to pain, irritability, and making it that much harder to concentrate, says Dr. Cohen.

Brain fog

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Youre Overworking One Specific Part Of Your Body

When you repeatedly use just one part of your bodywhether while working out or typing at worka more focused body ache and concentrated pain can take the form of a repetitive motion injury. A common example? Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Doing the same motion repeatedly can cause muscles, ligaments, and tendons to become swollen and inflamed, which causes the ache. In addition to aches, you may notice a lack of strength and reduced range of motion in the affected area.

Ease the aches: Strengthening exercises through physical therapy, wearing braces to keep the area stable, and occupational therapy may be needed to get the body part functioning normally again.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease As A Cause Of Joint Pain And Fatigue

IBD can include Crohns disease as well as ulcerative colitis . They are both chronic conditions that affect the digestive system.

Ulcerative Colitis leads to inflammation in the large intestine. Crohns results in sores and ulcerations in the gastrointestinal tract.

Some of the common symptoms of IBD include joint pain and fatigue. With the onset of chronic inflammation, the digestive tract can get infected or damaged with ulcerations, abscesses and fistulas. This leads to rectal bleeding and diarrhea.

IBD can also have life-threatening perforations of the intestines. In fact, hemorrhages may require emergency blood transfusions and surgery.

Inflammatory bowel disease may look different in different patients. It can be quite difficult to diagnose because people will confuse IBS with diarrhea or constipation. However, it cannot be called an autoimmune disease.

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Around 20% Of Patients Develop Shortness Of Breath Which Doctors Recognize As One Of The Most Concerning Symptoms

Difficulty breathing can be an early sign of pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome , an often fatal illness that may require intubation.

A study of 138 hospitalized patients in Wuhan, China, found that 31% of all patients had difficulty breathing. Among ICU patients, that number was 64%.

I would of course always ask about shortness of breath before anything, because thats somebody who has to be immediately helped, Megan Coffee, an infectious-disease clinician in New York City, previously told Business Insider.

Shortness of breath typically presents eight to 10 days into the course of the illness, she said. But not every patient with shortness of breath needs to go to the hospital.

What I tell people is: If youre feeling short of breath and its hard to walk across the room, walk up a flight of stairs, speak in full sentences those are always signs that you have more severe shortness of breath, Coffee said.