One of the most common complaints I hear from patients is that they're feeling achy. Their muscles hurt, their joints are stiff, and they just don't feel as good as they used to.
Sometimes they can't identify anything that has changed. They're not running marathons, lifting boulders, or suddenly taking up a new sport. Yet, they're experiencing more aches and pains than before.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. And while occasional soreness is a normal part of life, persistent or unexplained muscle and joint pain deserves attention.
So, what could be going on?
There isn't always one simple explanation
Muscle and joint pain can have many potential causes. Sometimes the explanation is straightforward, but other times several factors may be contributing.
Here are some possibilities worth considering:
1. Infections
Certain infections can cause widespread muscle and joint discomfort. Viral illnesses, for example, commonly cause body aches. Some people also experience lingering symptoms after an infection has resolved.
2. Inflammation and autoimmune conditions
Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions can cause joint pain, muscle discomfort, and stiffness. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and polymyalgia rheumatica may present with persistent aches. The pattern of symptoms, associated findings, examination, and appropriate testing help determine whether further evaluation is needed.
3. Hormonal and metabolic changes
Changes in thyroid function, estrogen levels, and other hormonal or metabolic processes may contribute to muscle discomfort, joint symptoms, fatigue, or changes in recovery.
4. Nutritional deficiencies
Certain nutritional deficiencies can contribute to symptoms. For example, vitamin D deficiency can be associated with musculoskeletal discomfort, while vitamin B12 or iron deficiency may contribute to fatigue and other symptoms. Testing should be guided by the person's history and clinical picture rather than assuming a deficiency is present.
5. Poor sleep and chronic stress
Sleep is an important part of the body's recovery process. Poor sleep and ongoing stress can also influence how the nervous system processes pain. Over time, these factors may make aches and discomfort more noticeable.
6. Medications
Some medications can cause muscle or joint symptoms. Certain cholesterol-lowering medications, for example, may cause muscle aches in some people. If symptoms begin after starting a medication or changing a dose, it's worth discussing that connection with your healthcare provider. Don't stop a prescribed medication without guidance.
7. Activity, movement, and recovery
You don't have to run a marathon to develop muscle soreness. Prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, changes in activity, and inadequate recovery can all contribute to discomfort.
What should you do if you're constantly achy?
The first step is to look at the bigger picture.
When did the symptoms begin? Are they getting worse? Is the pain in your muscles, joints, or both? Do you experience morning stiffness? Is there swelling, weakness, fatigue, fever, or another symptom?
These details can help guide an appropriate evaluation. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your clinician may recommend an examination, selected laboratory testing, medication review, or additional evaluation.
Seek prompt medical attention for severe or rapidly worsening pain, a hot and swollen joint with fever, new significant muscle weakness, or other concerning symptoms.
You don't have to dismiss how you feel
It's easy to get used to feeling less than your best. Sometimes we blame age, a busy schedule, or simply getting older.
But persistent aches are worth discussing. They don't always point to a serious problem, and there isn't one explanation that fits everyone. The important thing is to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and develop an appropriate plan.
At Hearthstone Family Care, we believe good healthcare starts with listening, asking questions, and looking at the whole person, not just one symptom or one lab result.
If you're feeling more achy than you used to, let's start a conversation about why.