Maxwell Adeyemi

SOME ACHES in the body are signals that something is not right in the body. And when you get this warning sign, you should do well to pay close attention to it and consider seeing your doctor. Below are various instances of body aches to watch and do the needful.

General body pains

Muscle pain that affects a small part of your body is usually caused by overuse, for instance sore arms from lifting boxes all day. Or it could be a minor injury, like a bruised shoulder after a fall. But when you ache all over your body it could be due to a variety of reasons and medical conditions.

Blood flow problem

If you have pain in your arms, legs, or both, your muscles may not be getting enough blood; this is a medical problem called claudication. At first you may notice it only when you exercise, but in time you might feel it when you sit or walk. This is usually caused by a condition called arteriosclerosis, which is when there’s blockage in the tubes that carry blood to your muscles.

Hypothyroidism

This is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of certain key hormones. It can cause muscle and joint aches, as well as swelling and tenderness. It can make you tired and lead to memory problems, thinning hair, dry skin, high cholesterol, slowed heart rate and other issues.

The flu or other infections

When a flu virus hits, it brings on fever and congestion, and it can make your muscles ache, especially in your back, legs and arms. It usually gets better on its own in a week or so, but call your doctor if it doesn’t. Other infections can also give you muscle aches including covid19 and HIV.

Medications

Drugs called statins are used to control high cholesterol and about 30 per cent of people who take them say they have muscle pain. If this is happening with you, talk to your doctor. They may be able to give you a different medication.

Lupus

This is a kind of autoimmune disease which causes your immune system, which normally helps protect your body, to attack your tissues and organs. When lupus affects your joints or muscles it can make them stiff and it can hurt to move. There’s no cure, but medication and certain exercises can help control your symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis

This is also an autoimmune disease and it mainly affects the joints and can lead to bone loss. It can cause pain and inflammation all over your body, and your joints may swell into odd shapes. Medication and physical therapy can help with your symptoms, but there’s no cure. In some cases you may need surgery to repair the affected joints.

Dermatomyositis

This autoimmune disease makes your muscles and joints ache and causes painful, itchy, red or purple rashes on your eyelids. It also makes spots on your knuckles, elbows, knees and toes, can dry your skin, thin your hair, and cause swollen, irritated skin around your fingernails. It can be triggered by infection, drugs or cancer.

Fibromyalgia

This condition can cause pain in your joints and muscles as well as problems with sleep, mood and memory. Scient