Can Low iron cause aches and pains?

[Whyismycatanasshat]

I spoke to my (unconcerned) GP last week about the fact that every time I sit down I feel like I’m going to fall asleep and keep having very short episodes of lightheadedness, coupled with an aching arm and shoulder. Doesn’t quite feel muscular and came on about the same time as the tiredness etc.

This morning I got a text to Say my Blood tests have shown low iron levels and I’ve been told to get myself to Boots and get an iron supplement.

Could the aches and pains in my arm and shoulder be caused by low iron?

I’ve never had low iron before. Even in pregnancy I was maintaining a good level!

Thanks

Yes it can. General aches and tiredness are symptoms of low iron.

From my personal experience yes seems to for me. Makes me feel like I am always on the verge of getting a bad cold, that achey feeling. Not sure why, hopefully someone can explain. Not very nice, hope you are better soon.

Which arm is it affecting ?
How old are you ?

@FippertyGibbett sore left shoulder and arm, and I’m 36, almost 37!

Thanks to those agreeing that it can; my stupid health anxiety has had me dying of something like bone cancer for the last few weeks! And my CBT strategies weren’t helping for once!

Low iron can cause generalised aches and pains. The reason for your low iron also needs investigating, as well as treating.

However I'm probably on the same page as Fipperty here and, though I don't want to alarm you, I would suggest you call 111 for advice as presenting with left sided arm and shoulder aching/pain, together with lightheadedness, can indicate a cardiac issues. An ECG and running some cardiac bloods would be a very good idea, in my opinion, to rule that out. If there is any accompanying chest pain/ache, it's 999.

@slidingdrawers

Low iron can cause generalised aches and pains. The reason for your low iron also needs investigating, as well as treating.

However I'm probably on the same page as Fipperty here and, though I don't want to alarm you, I would suggest you call 111 for advice as presenting with left sided arm and shoulder aching/pain, together with lightheadedness, can indicate a cardiac issues. An ECG and running some cardiac bloods would be a very good idea, in my opinion, to rule that out. If there is any accompanying chest pain/ache, it's 999.

This is where I was going too. You’re never too young, it’s rare but not impossible. Do you have any family history of cardiac problems ?

@slidingdrawers I was very clear with the Gp about it being left side aches and pains - thank you health anxiety for making me be so clear - and he said he was unconcerned about the aches etc being related to cardio as it’s dull ache like bruising etc and I have no weakness or lack of mobility - I’d describe it as bruising or like I’d slept heavily on the upper arm rather than an intense pain.

@FippertyGibbett Absolutely no family history of cardio issues.
The GP said he didn’t consider cardio to be a concern due to the type of pain - it’s a full ache like bruising or like I’ve slept heavy on that arm rather than anything intense. It’s more annoying than distressing of that makes sense. I was very clear with him too, my health anxiety helps In that respect as I push!

I believe that women can very often present with different symptoms to men.
Do you get these symptoms after exertion ?
It might be worth going on the NHS website that gives the symptoms of a heart attack, just so you know what they all are.
I’m sure it’s not cardiac in origin, but I’d hate to overlook it and miss it,

@FippertyGibbett thank you for your concern, the bruising type ache is the same constant dull bruise type, annoying pain throughout the day, regardless of exertion - honestly it’s more irritating than distressing - at first I wondered if it was became my DD is getting heavier to lift so I’m holding myself in a strange way and that’s triggering it.

I’m aware of the symptoms of a heart attack and how it can present differently in women- and I’m sure it’s not a heart attack.

I will probably speak to the GP again once I’ve started the iron tablets if it doesn’t solve he aches quite quickly as the arm thing is annoying!