Why have I had pain in my legs and arms for 3 years?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had long-term pain for almost three years. It is mostly in the legs and arms. It sometimes causes me to break out in a rash on my skin, and it hurts.

It is so sensitive that even pouring water on it can cause it to react. I visited several specialists in my country and had several tests, and finally, they said that my results are normal. The tests I have conducted include a complete blood count, sickle cell test, HIV 1 and 2, ECG, echocardiogram, calcium, ANA, Rh factor, Hepatitis B, glucose, U&E, CE, p-GluR-1, ESR, and Hep B rapid test.

Among those, only creatine kinase was outside the normal range. I am really worried. I no longer work out. I feel some pain while running.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As the values of CK (creatine kinase) are elevated in your case, it should be further investigated why these values are elevated. You have not mentioned the result, but I am guessing that the CK is elevated. If no,t then you can correct me later.

CK levels are increased in various conditions, including polymyositis, viral myositis, muscular diseases, and strenuous exercise, which can cause a transient increase in CK values, muscle damage, and muscle inflammation. Your clinical symptoms of chronic pain with increased CK are indicative of some muscular pathology, which needs to be investigated further for muscular issues.

Serum aldolase should also be checked, and if elevated, an MRI should be performed to assess fatty displacement, exercise testing should be conducted, and genetic testing should be considered. If needed, a muscle biopsy should be done to make a definitive diagnosis, which will direct further treatment.

I would recommend that you get evaluated further and discuss it further with your GP, and get the needed tests done as mentioned.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.