[52F] Experiencing fatigue, joint pain, and tingling in extremities

Patient Description

A 52-year-old female presents with a three-month history of persistent fatigue, not alleviated by rest or worsened by specific activities, despite maintaining a regular workout routine. She reports a sensation of pins and needles and occasional burning in her hands and feet, more pronounced in the evenings. She also experiences joint pain, predominantly in the hips, rated a 6 out of 10 in severity, which lessens in the evening but worsens throughout the day. The patient has a history of psoriatic arthritis and has been on Humira for several years. Additionally, she was diagnosed with Mesenteric Panniculitis two years ago, confirmed via biopsy. Her current medications include Humira, omeprazole, and patrapazole. She denies any allergies or adverse reactions to medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, several conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. It amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. The symptoms you described, such as fatigue, joint pain, and tingling in hands and feet, are common in fibromyalgia.

    • Treatment often involves a combination of medications, exercise, stress management measures, and healthy lifestyle habits.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: This condition results from damage to your peripheral nerves, which often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body. Your symptoms of tingling and burning in hands and feet could be due to peripheral neuropathy.

    • Treatment typically involves managing the condition causing your neuropathy. In some cases, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. For more severe symptoms, your doctor might recommend prescription medications.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity but doesn't improve with rest. Your symptom of constant fatigue could be a sign of CFS.

    • Treatment for CFS can include lifestyle changes, psychological therapy, and medication to control symptoms.

Please remember that these are only possible diagnoses. You should consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Keep a symptom diary: This can help you and your healthcare provider figure out what triggers or worsens your symptoms.
  2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can help manage your symptoms.
  3. Seek medical attention: It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms worsen or don't improve with rest.
  • You experience severe pain.
  • You have difficulty walking or moving your arms or legs.
  • You experience a sudden, severe headache, difficulty speaking, or loss of vision. These could be signs of a serious condition, such as a stroke.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties (often referred to as 'fibro fog'), and sometimes tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.


How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed and treated?

Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exams, and tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause, relieving symptoms with medications, and sometimes physical therapy.


What lifestyle changes can help manage chronic fatigue syndrome?

Lifestyle changes for managing chronic fatigue syndrome include establishing a regular sleep routine, pacing activities to avoid overexertion, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in gentle exercise as tolerated. Psychological therapies and medications may also be recommended.


Can psoriatic arthritis cause symptoms like fatigue and joint pain?

Yes, psoriatic arthritis can cause symptoms like fatigue and joint pain. It is an inflammatory condition that can lead to joint discomfort and systemic symptoms, including fatigue, due to the body's ongoing inflammatory response.


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