Unexplained Thigh Pain: Seeking Answers for Muscle Discomfort - Neurology

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Persistent thigh muscle soreness with no identifiable cause?


Hello Doctor: I had sexual intercourse in early December, and since then, both my PCR and fourth-generation EIA tests have returned normal results.
However, starting at the end of December, I began experiencing soreness on the inner and outer sides of my thighs, which only occurs with light pressure and does not affect my ability to walk.
There is no swelling, but the pain points vary; when one area improves, another area starts to hurt.
The pain primarily affects the major tendons in my thighs, and occasionally I feel discomfort in my calves and ankle tendons.
I have seen a rehabilitation doctor who indicated that this is not related to a sexually transmitted infection.
An X-ray showed "narrowing of the intervertebral disc space," which the doctor attributed to recent inactivity, posture, and stress.
Could this be related to Chlamydia arthritis or tendinitis? Or is it more likely to be fibromyalgia or something else? I am quite anxious as the cause remains elusive.
I would greatly appreciate your clarification.
Thank you.

Xiao Ma, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/23

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology


Hello: You mentioned Reiter's syndrome, which is associated with the HLA-B27 gene in approximately 60-80% of patients.
Symptoms typically appear about 2-4 weeks after a bacterial infection.
The most common pathogens are Chlamydia trachomatis and gastrointestinal bacteria such as Salmonella, Yersinia, and Shigella.
Due to the similarity of antigens, the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues as if they were bacterial antigens, leading to symptoms such as arthritis.
However, the soreness you mentioned does not occur in the joints.
It may still be necessary to consider tendonitis.
As for spinal stenosis, it can lead to nerve compression, causing numbness and abnormal sensations.
I recommend discussing examination and treatment options with a neurologist.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Tao cares about you.

Reply Date: 2018/01/23

More Info


Unexplained thigh pain can be a perplexing issue, especially when it seems to shift from one area to another and does not significantly affect mobility. Based on your description, it appears that you have already consulted with a rehabilitation specialist who has ruled out any direct connection to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and has identified potential contributing factors such as reduced physical activity, posture, and stress.

Firstly, it's important to understand that thigh pain can arise from various sources, including muscular, skeletal, and neurological issues. Given that your pain is localized primarily in the thigh and occasionally in the calf and ankle, it could be related to muscle strain, tendonitis, or even myofascial pain syndrome, which is characterized by pain in specific muscle groups and can be exacerbated by stress and poor posture.

The mention of "椎間盤間隙狹窄" (intervertebral disc space narrowing) suggests that there may be some underlying spinal issues contributing to your discomfort. This condition can lead to nerve compression, which might manifest as pain in the thighs or other areas. However, since your pain does not seem to correlate with specific movements or activities, it may not be the primary cause.

Regarding your concerns about potential conditions such as Chlamydia arthritis or tendonitis, it is crucial to note that these conditions typically present with additional symptoms, such as swelling, redness, or significant pain during movement. Since you have not experienced these symptoms, it is less likely that you are dealing with an inflammatory arthritis caused by an STI.

Muscle discomfort, particularly if it is related to myofascial pain syndrome, can often be managed through a combination of physical therapy, stretching exercises, and stress management techniques. Engaging in regular physical activity, even light exercises such as walking or yoga, can help alleviate muscle tension and improve overall posture. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation, can help reduce stress, which may be contributing to your muscle discomfort.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be beneficial to seek further evaluation from a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor or a neurologist, who can provide a more comprehensive assessment. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI, to evaluate the spine and surrounding structures more thoroughly.

In summary, while your thigh pain is concerning, it does not appear to be directly related to an STI based on your test results and the assessments made by your healthcare provider. Instead, it may be linked to muscular issues, posture, and stress. Continuing with physical therapy, maintaining an active lifestyle, and managing stress will likely be beneficial in addressing your discomfort. If you have further concerns or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to seek additional medical advice.

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