[40F] Experiencing arm pain, leg pain, and speech difficulty

Patient Description

A 40-year-old female reports sharp pain on the outside of both elbows extending into the forearms, which has been occurring intermittently for one and a half months on the right and four days on the left. The pain, rated as a 5 out of 10 in severity, is exacerbated by bending the arms or lifting objects. The patient also experiences a combination of aching and sharp pains in the calves extending to the upper back side of both legs, rated as a 4 out of 10 in severity, with no specific relief from activities or positions. Additionally, the patient has a history of experiencing numbness and tingling in the arms before the onset of pain, which has been a long-standing issue for years. Recently, the patient has been having trouble with speech, such as getting words mixed up. No recent injuries, loss of bowel or bladder control, or other symptoms were reported. The patient also notes weakness in the arms, making it difficult to lift objects.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

  • Tendonitis: This is inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. The condition causes pain and tenderness just outside a joint. It's common in elbows and can cause difficulty in bending the arm and lifting objects.

    • Treatment typically involves resting the affected area, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and sometimes physical therapy.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This is a result of damage to your peripheral nerves, often causing weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body and could explain the tingling you've been experiencing for years.

    • Treatment usually focuses on managing the condition causing your neuropathy and relieving symptoms.
  • Muscular Strain: Overuse or over-stretching of your arm and leg muscles could lead to a strain, which can cause pain and weakness.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help.

The trouble with speech and headache could be due to a variety of reasons including stress, fatigue, or a neurological condition. It's important to have these symptoms evaluated by a healthcare professional.

What you can do

  1. Rest your arms and legs as much as possible.
  2. Apply ice to the painful areas for 15 minutes at a time.
  3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the package.
  4. Try to avoid activities that exacerbate your pain.
  5. Keep a symptom diary, noting when your symptoms occur, what you're doing at the time, and what makes them better or worse. This can be helpful information for your doctor.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain becomes severe or unbearable.
  • You experience sudden weakness or numbness in your arms or legs.
  • You have difficulty walking or moving your arms.
  • Your speech difficulties worsen or you have difficulty understanding others.
  • You experience confusion, dizziness, or a severe headache.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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1 yr ago

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People Also Ask


What is tendonitis and how is it treated?

Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, which is the thick fibrous cord that attaches muscle to bone. It causes pain and tenderness just outside a joint, commonly in the elbows. Treatment typically involves resting the affected area, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and sometimes physical therapy.


What are the symptoms and causes of peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves, causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can be caused by diabetes, infections, injuries, and exposure to toxins. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying condition and relieving symptoms.


How can muscular strain be managed at home?

Muscular strain can be managed at home by resting the affected muscles, applying ice to reduce swelling, using compression to support the area, and elevating the limb to decrease swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help alleviate pain.


When should I seek medical attention for speech difficulties?

You should seek medical attention for speech difficulties if they worsen, if you have difficulty understanding others, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms like confusion, dizziness, or a severe headache, as these could indicate a more serious condition.


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