[58F] Experiencing joint pain, swelling, exhaustion, and brain fog

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. It occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. The pain is often described as a dull ache and is usually worse in the morning and after periods of inactivity.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

• 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.

  • Treatment often involves a combination of medications, exercise, stress-reduction measures, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis, and it occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. It can affect any joint in your body, but it most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the information you've provided, and you should consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may help. Always follow the instructions on the bottle and don't exceed the recommended dosage.
2. Gentle exercises can help to keep your joints flexible. Swimming is often a good form of exercise because it's gentle on the joints.
3. Heat or cold therapy can help to relieve arthritis pain. Try applying a hot or cold pack to the painful joints for 15 minutes at a time.
4. Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts more pressure on your joints, especially your knees, hips and feet.

What you should look out for

• If your joint pain is accompanied by a fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, seek medical attention immediately as these can be signs of a more serious condition.
• If your joint pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days, make an appointment with your doctor.
• If you notice any redness, swelling, or warmth around the joint, or if the joint is deformed, you should seek medical attention.