What does it mean when all your joints and muscles hurt?

Acute pain in multiple joints is usually due to inflammation, gout, or the onset or exacerbation of a chronic joint disorder. Chronic pain in multiple joints is often due to osteoarthritis or an inflammatory disorder (such as rheumatoid arthritis) or, in children, juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Muscle pain that affects a small part of the body is usually due to overuse; for example, pain in the arms due to lifting boxes all day long. Or it could be a minor injury, such as a bruised shoulder after a fall.

However, when your whole body aches, it's most likely caused by an infection, illness, or medication you've taken. Drugs called statins are used to control high cholesterol, and about 30% of people who take them report muscle pain.

Joint pain

can affect joint function and limit a person's ability to perform basic tasks. Surgery may be an option if joint pain is long-lasting and doesn't lessen with medications or physical therapy and exercise.

If you have pain in your arms, legs, or both, your muscles may not be getting enough blood, a problem called claudication. Over time, muscles may begin to deteriorate and it may be difficult to swallow or catch your breath. In addition, your joint may feel stiff in the morning, but it will relax and feel better with movement and activity. The patient should be prepared to answer questions about previous joint injuries, when the joint pain began, the family history of joint pain, and the type of pain experienced.

This happens when something (possibly a virus or an immune system problem) inflames muscles throughout the body, especially the abdomen, shoulders, upper arms, hips, and heart. Polyarthralgia is a condition in which pain affects several joints in the body with no signs of inflammation. X-rays can show if there is joint deterioration, joint fluid, bone spurs, or other problems that may be contributing to the pain. Sudden and widespread joint pain can result from infections, inflammatory diseases, and complications of some health conditions.

This autoimmune disease causes muscles and joints to hurt and causes painful, itchy, red or purple rashes on the eyelids. This condition can cause joint and muscle pain, as well as problems with sleep, mood, and memory. When a flu virus hits, it causes fever and congestion, and can cause your muscles to hurt, especially in your back, legs, and arms. The surgeon removes parts of the patient's bone and implants an artificial joint made of metal or plastic.