Widespread Bone Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help

Q: Widespread Bone Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello： If you are experiencing joint pain throughout your body, you may want to consider pseudogout as a potential cause of your polyarticular joint disease. <br>It is advisable to consult a rheumatologist to discuss examination and treatment options. <br>Wishing you good health

Widespread bone pain throughout the body?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, for about one to two weeks, I have been experiencing bone pain in multiple areas of my body, specifically in my right arm, upper back around the scapulae, head, cheekbones, tibia in my legs, and the bones in my fingers and toes.
The pain is especially noticeable at night when I go to bed, and I find it difficult to turn the doorknob (which is a lever lock) with both hands in the middle of the night.
I would like to ask what could be the cause of this and which specialty I should consult? Additionally, here is some other information for your consideration: 1.
I had shingles two years ago in September, but I recovered from it.
I wonder if this could be related? 2.
I recently visited a nephrologist, and my blood sugar was normal at 100.
I usually hover around 101, but this time it was 108.
Thank you for your assistance!

Mr. Chen, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/19

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: If you are experiencing joint pain throughout your body, you may want to consider pseudogout as a potential cause of your polyarticular joint disease.
It is advisable to consult a rheumatologist to discuss examination and treatment options.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang, Department of Internal Medicine, Taoyuan Hospital, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2020/08/19

More Info

Widespread bone pain can be a complex issue with various potential causes. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing pain in multiple areas of your body, including your right arm, shoulders, back, head, legs, and fingers. The fact that the pain worsens at night and affects your ability to perform daily tasks, such as turning a doorknob, is concerning and warrants further investigation.

There are several possible causes for widespread bone pain, and understanding these can help you determine the best course of action. Here are some potential explanations:
1. Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas. It often coexists with sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood swings. The pain can be exacerbated by stress, weather changes, and physical activity.

2. Arthritis: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can lead to joint pain and stiffness, which may feel like bone pain. These conditions can also cause inflammation in the joints, leading to discomfort in various parts of the body.

3. Infections: Certain infections, such as viral infections (including reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles), can lead to widespread pain. If you had shingles previously, it’s possible that the virus could be causing lingering effects or complications.

4. Vitamin D Deficiency: Low levels of vitamin D can lead to bone pain and muscle weakness. It’s important to ensure that you are getting adequate sunlight exposure or supplementation if necessary.

5. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: This condition is characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest and can be accompanied by muscle or joint pain.

6. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as lupus or multiple sclerosis can present with widespread pain and other systemic symptoms.

7. Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can manifest physically as pain in various parts of the body. The mind-body connection is powerful, and emotional distress can lead to physical symptoms.

Given your history of shingles and the recent blood sugar levels, it’s essential to consider these factors when seeking a diagnosis. The increase in blood sugar levels, while still within a normal range, could indicate a need for lifestyle adjustments, especially if you have a family history of diabetes.

When to Seek Help
You should consider seeing a healthcare professional if:
- The pain persists or worsens over time.

- You experience additional symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue.

- You have difficulty performing daily activities due to pain.

- You notice any swelling, redness, or warmth in the affected areas.

Which Specialist to See
For your symptoms, starting with a primary care physician is advisable. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly blood tests, to rule out various conditions. Depending on their findings, they may refer you to a specialist, such as:
- Rheumatologist: For potential autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.

- Neurologist: If there are concerns about nerve involvement or if your previous shingles may have caused nerve damage.

- Orthopedic Specialist: If there are concerns about musculoskeletal issues.

In summary, widespread bone pain can stem from various causes, and it’s crucial to seek medical advice to determine the underlying issue. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

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