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All my joints feel like they are 'over-tightened'?

19 replies

Basseting · 21/12/2017 11:16

does anyone know what his could be?

I am nearly 50. Overweight. Two protruding discs. Flat feet. various operations for compressed nerves in back / legs/ feet ..... but...

My 'joints' / tendons esp around my pelvis /hips are agony, ALL the time. Feels like they are elastic bands being tightened to the point of snapping. Burning pain that makes me cry. I take quite strong meds for my back pain but still it hurts.

when I was young I was very 'bendy'. (both my kids have hypermobility)

I had 2 pgs with very severe SPD which took years to improve.

I have been left with joints which permanently hurt but which are worse in cold / damp weather. I 'seize up' if I am in one position for more than about 10 mins. My walking is very curtailed.

Any idea if it is worth seeing GP or if it is just age?

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Basseting · 21/12/2017 11:54

bump

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idontlikealdi · 21/12/2017 11:56

Of course its not just age! Don't mean to be flippant but it really isn't. Go to the GP.

Whatslovegottodo · 21/12/2017 12:01

Definitely GP to rule in/out joint diseases and also look at pain control.
Also a good Physio should have good exercises to improve your range of motion and to reduce the stiffness.
If you get the ok to do so hydrotherapy and gentle yoga may be of help down the road.

neonpink · 21/12/2017 12:01

would gentle yoga help? really helps me when feeling stiff. (I'm not sure how suitable it is for your condition though).

BoreOfWhabylon · 21/12/2017 12:05

Yes, do see your GP.

Friend of mine had similar symptoms and turned out to be severe Vitamin D deficiency.

Basseting · 21/12/2017 12:34

oh thank you all!

the pelvic 'joint tightening' is the worst I think?
I stood still to talk to someone for 15 mins this morning and as I tried to walk away I couldn't move. My hips felt like they were going to pop out of their sockets - it is like a cats cradle that has tightened so much it feels like there is no room for the hip bone any more???
I was crying walking back to the car.

My little finger joints hurt all the time now too but that is minor compared

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BoreOfWhabylon · 21/12/2017 13:36

Oh love, this is not 'old age'. It needs to be properly investigated so that it can be treated Flowers

LemonysSnicket · 21/12/2017 16:31

Go to the GP could be arthritis?

Bettertobehealthy · 21/12/2017 20:13

Hi Basseting ,

                                    it could be that  previous poster  boreofwhabylon  has hit the nail on the head , so to speak.   Vitamin D deficiency could very well be the cause  of a lot of your problems.  
                                  
                                     Most people in this country  (uk) ,   are either   deficient , or insufficient ,     both terms  mean that  there are consequences  of not having enough vitamin D  to keep your body ,   or more correctly, your cells, operating as they should.      Vit D  is actually a hormone , which regulates the behaviour of over 2000 genes ,  which is  approx  10 %  of your entire genome,  affecting many hundreds of processes, in your body.  from inflammation ,  immune response  including  autoimmunity  etc.   Long term  Vit D deficiency can be very debilitating. 

     In your situation ,   I would get  your  Vit D level measured ,    IF  it  is low ,    then you can raise it by supplementation.     Vitamin D researchers would say , a blood level of  up to at least   120    to 140    (nmol/L ) .   That level is found in outdoor living humans ,  living an old fashioned  ancestral lifestyle. people in this country do achieve that , however it is not common ,   sunlight on skin , which creates vit D , is very hard to get  in this country  , at our latitiude of  50  -   55   degrees  North.  In fact in winter ,  mid -Oct  to mid-April , sunlight is too weak , and you cannot make any from sunlight, the UVB radiation is not present.    It is for that reason that many of us are deficient.  If your symptoms get worse in winter and early spring ,  that may be an indication of what is going on for you.  Your vitamin D levels are likely dropping even further.

            Here is a quick Vit D self test,     if  you press on your sternum ,  with moderate force ,   does it feel as if the area is bruised ,   it should not feel painful.     IF  you do the same on the front of your shin bone ,  about  3 or 4 inches say  below the knee,    does that feel bruised , as if it has been knocked of bumped   a few days ago.       IF   the answer is yes to these tests,    then it is possible that you have had low  Vit D  for quite some time.   That is not a conclusive test ,   but would be an indication.

You can ask your doctor , for a test , or you could contact a lab which would post you a blood spot test. You will get an email back from them within a week. Here is an NHS lab , they do charge £28 if not doctor ordered , but it is well worth knowing what your level is . www.vitamindtest.org.uk/ You can then supplement . 1000 IU ( i.e. 25 ug) taken daily over the long term should increase the average persons blood level by 25 nmol/L , to increase your blood level up to 120 - 140 , or even a bit more , if you have been deficient for a long time. Lets say possibly 3 to 5000 IU , daily, is likely to bring you up into the territory you need to be in, after 3 months supplementation. You level will stabilise after 3 months , you should then re-test your level . to check where you are. Do not stop supplementation , if you do, your level will slowly drop back to its original level. Adjust your supplementation to get at least within that 120 -140 band , even higher would not be a concern. They are normal levels, accepted as normal by the NHS. Unfortunately the NHS accepts 50 as normal as well , it IS common , but not optimal.

Here is a thread  where many people were deficient ,  their symptoms, what they did , how it helped  etc etc.  It is a long read ,  and full of information about  Vit D ,   it could very well help you.

I posted quite a bit there , if you need any more info , then do get back to me , or search my nickname here on mumsnet. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/2421492-Vitimin-D-can-it-have-this-effect

    Hope this is all helpful, 

very best of luck,

BTBH

.

Basseting · 21/12/2017 20:40

Thank you for such a long post BTBH very kind of you.

Funnily enough I was pressing my sternum when I woke up.
I've had right breast pain for around 4m now. Been to GP twice before they would refer. The pain is localised and consistent through my menstrual cycle. Hard to feel a lump as my breasts are full of lumps anyway? but it has moved from outside lower left area to deeper towards my ribcage and I feel short of breath sometimes.
I have a consultant apt end Jan.
I don't want to wait any longer but I don't think you can pitch up at A&E if you have an appointment in a month?
Anyways, (sorry) I was feeling the area this morning when I woke up and I felt all down my sternum and it felt really really tender.
My shins I just tried. not so much.

sorry for new info drip feed.
didn't connect the breast issue with the long term 'joint pain'
and of course may not be remotely connected.

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Mehfruittea · 21/12/2017 20:51

Look up Elhers Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility type 3. There are many symptoms associated with it and is often difficult to diagnose. People can go to Doctors with all the symptoms and take years to get a diagnosis. There are other health issues associated with it, such as vit D deficiency, low iron, frequent injuries but no breaks, gynea issues, excessive bruising and fragile stretchy skin and so on. Do have a look as you have mentioned many of the symptoms and family members with hypermobility. EDS is genetic.

delilahbucket · 21/12/2017 20:59

Sounds like you need to see a physio, and you have to do the exercises they give you. A private one would be better if you can afford it as they have more time with you. Plus there's no waiting list. While losing weight may help, it's unlikely. Taken painkillers won't solve the cause of the pain.

Basseting · 21/12/2017 21:10

Delilah
I saw a physio - a good NHS rehab one.
I did my exercises. I am still on crutches (when its bad)/stick (when less so)

It does worsen / lessen with my menstrual cycle as well as weather which is weird.

I am so sodding tired.

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Artistic · 21/12/2017 21:54

I have hypermobility & flat feet (to keep it short)..look up EDS as others have mentioned. You need to see a consultant to manage your pain, joints & muscle strength via physio/exercise. From being unable to walk more than 2-3 steps due to acute knee pain I have gone on to have DD2 & a fully functional life (eliminating knee pain) thanks to a lovely consultant who pushed me to exercise & strengthen my muscles (learnt to swim & did it regularly). Weight loss is also important as the body struggles more with extra weight. There is light at the end of the tunnel but you will need to make a start with the right professionals & overhaul your lifestyle to get there. PM me if you need details...

OhLittleBoreOfWhabylon · 22/12/2017 09:50

Bassetting I only mentioned Vit D as a possibility. You need to see your GP first as there are several other possible causes for your symptoms.

Please get a proper diagnosis before trying physios, home testing kits etc.

Basseting · 22/12/2017 16:36

Bore

I have seen GP (awful, Head of practice, remote area so no choice)

Eventually she referred me for breast appointment but its taken since the early summer and (still nearly 1 month to wait) and the pain has worsened and moved /short of breath which worries me.

The joint pain stuff has been going on for years but is certainly getting worse.

Thank you for your kind post. I am trying to get a proper dx but coming up against a GP who just says: 'well you are overweight'.
A fair point, but I have been stable for years and the symptoms are either much worse or new so I dont think that is the root cause, iyswim?

It is the breast that really worries me. I wish I could go to A&E.
Would they even speak to me there do you think?

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TheEmojiFormerlyKnownAsPrince · 22/12/2017 16:48

Pain clinic.

I'm like this, hurt all over most of the time, particularly my back.

l saw a physio at the Pain Clinic, who nailed it all. We had about 14 sessions, unlike Normal NHS physio which allows 3 appointments l think. I was 'cured'..... then l stopped doing the stretching exercises, and of course it came back😒.

Amitryptiline helps, been told to do Tai Chi which lm going to do. But back to the pain clinic again for me. They really sort you out.

Basseting · 22/12/2017 17:57

Emoji I have been at the Pain clinic for some years on and off.
Yy to amitriptyline and keeping up with the work the Physio gives - couldnt agree more. thank you for your words.x

Its the shortness of breath / breast issue I am most worried about I realise. Sorry posted about the wrong thing, initially.
There is a centre of excellence about 30m away.
They also have a walk in minor clinic.
I think I might visit that and explain about the breast issues / breathing and ask for advice. i've just tried to move a kitchen chair and it hurts between my breast and my ribcage shooting up into my armpit. That's definitely recent. At least if they referred me I'd be in the right place. If they send me home I will feel I have been seen by experts.

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