[58F] Experiencing severe hand cramps and total body stiffness

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, your symptoms of hand cramps, body stiffness particularly after rest, and spasms could be related to several of your pre-existing conditions:

• 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. Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress.

  • Treatment often involves a multi-disciplinary approach, including physical therapy, exercise, stress-reduction measures, and medication to manage symptoms.

• Psoriatic Arthritis: This is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis — a condition that features red patches of skin topped with silvery scales. Most people develop psoriasis first and are later diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, but the joint problems can sometimes begin before skin patches appear.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage.

• Addison's Disease: This is a disorder that occurs when your body produces insufficient amounts of certain hormones produced by your adrenal glands. In Addison's disease, your adrenal glands produce too little cortisol and, often, too little aldosterone. Symptoms may include muscle weakness and stiffness, joint pain, and muscle spasms.

  • Treatment involves replacing, or substituting, the hormones that the adrenal glands are not making.

What you can do

You should consult with your doctor about these symptoms. They may want to adjust your current treatment plan or explore other potential causes for your symptoms. In the meantime, you can:

1. Continue to use heat therapy, as you've found it helpful. This can include warm baths, hot packs, or a heated blanket.
2. Gentle stretching and light physical activity may help with stiffness.
3. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as the Advil you're taking, can help with pain and inflammation. However, these should be used as directed by your doctor.
4. Ensure you're taking your prescribed medications as directed.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your symptoms significantly worsen
• You experience severe pain
• You develop new symptoms

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice about your health.