What can cause muscle pain and joint stiffness that worsens with inactivity?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 50-year-old female. I am having muscle pain and joint stiffness that is more in my legs and elbows. The discomfort is more in the morning before getting off the bed and worsens with inactivity. However, it gets better with exercise and returns after prolonged sitting or staying in an air-conditioned room. Currently, I am taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

From what you have mentioned, you have osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease (wear and tear of the joint) that mainly affects the knee, elbow, and hip joints. The other possible cause can be rheumatoid arthritis. Do you have red, tender, or swollen joints? Is there any pain in the joints of the hand?

I suggest you get an X-ray of the knee done. You can use Voltaren gel (Diclofenac Sodium) thrice a day and go for physiotherapy of the affected joints to strengthen your muscles. (Consult a specialist doctor, talk to him or her and start the medicines with their consent).

I recommend you follow up to reach the appropriate decisions and better results.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes.