7 - Arms and Legs

Question 1

What is a common cause of leg cramps?

Answer 1

Strong contractions of the leg muscles due to overexcitable nerves

Common causes include low levels of electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, or calcium; local buildup of acid; and dehydration.

Question 2

What should you do to prevent leg cramps after exercise?

Answer 2

Stretch adequately before and after workouts

Staying hydrated with rehydration solutions rather than just water is also recommended.

Question 3

What condition is characterized by painful leg cramps at night?

Answer 3

Nocturnal leg cramps

Half of adults over fifty experience these cramps, which improve after stretching.

Question 4

What can help prevent nighttime leg cramps?

Answer 4

Stretching at least three to four times per day

Taking vitamin B complex capsules may also be beneficial.

Question 5

What is restless legs syndrome?

Answer 5

An uncomfortable tingling sensation in both legs that improves with movement

Symptoms are most prominent while resting or trying to sleep.

Question 6

True or False: Restless legs syndrome usually causes leg pain.

Answer 6

False

It causes an uncomfortable tingling sensation rather than pain.

Question 7

What does swelling in the legs indicate?

Answer 7

Fluid accumulation that can cause painful stretching of the skin

A thorough evaluation is required to check for kidney, liver, or heart disease.

Question 8

What can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs?

Answer 8

A herniated disc or narrowed spinal canal compressing nerves

Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications or surgery.

Question 9

What is claudication?

Answer 9

Pain while walking that improves with rest due to narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the legs

It is often associated with smoking and conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Question 10

What medication types can contribute to leg pain and cramping?

Answer 10

• Diuretics
• Albuterol inhalers
• Oral contraceptives
• Raloxifene
• Statins

Always consult a doctor before stopping any medication.

Question 11

What symptoms indicate a potential blood clot in the leg?

Answer 11

One leg is red, warm, and painful to the touch

Call a doctor for a same-day appointment.

Question 12

What should you do if you have painful swelling in one leg after a long trip?

Answer 12

Seek medical attention for a possible deep venous thrombosis

This can lead to life-threatening complications if untreated.

Question 13

What is pedal or peripheral edema?

Answer 13

Foot swelling due to fluid accumulation in and beneath the skin

It can be a cosmetic issue or indicate serious health problems.

Question 14

What can cause fluid retention in the body?

Answer 14

• High salt intake
• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Hormonal changes before menstruation

Reducing salt intake and moving around can help alleviate this.

Question 15

What is chronic venous insufficiency?

Answer 15

A condition where leg veins become damaged and blood and fluid get stuck in the legs

It is common and can be treated with diuretics and compression stockings.

Question 16

What are signs of a serious problem if swelling is accompanied by other symptoms?

Answer 16

• Swelling in thighs, hands, or face
• Red and painful swelling
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms may indicate heart, liver, or kidney issues.

Question 17

What should you do if you have a sudden, complete blockage of an artery in your leg?

Answer 17

Seek emergency medical care

Irreversible complications like gangrene can occur without prompt treatment.

Question 18

What is a tremor?

Answer 18

Unintentional, difficult-to-control shaking in specific circumstances

Tremors can affect various body parts and may indicate underlying diseases.

Question 19

What are the types of tremors based on their occurrence?

Answer 19

• Resting tremor
• Action tremor
• Intention tremor

Each type has different characteristics in terms of when it appears.

Question 20

What are tremors?

Answer 20

Involuntary muscle contractions that cause shaking in various parts of the body

Tremors can occur at rest or with movement and may indicate underlying health issues.

Question 21

What is a resting tremor?

Answer 21

A tremor that occurs when the affected body part is at rest and improves with voluntary movement

Commonly associated with conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Question 22

What is an action tremor?

Answer 22

A tremor that occurs during voluntary movement, worsening as the affected body part is used

Often seen in essential tremors.

Question 23

What is an intention tremor?

Answer 23

A tremor that worsens as the hand approaches the target object

Indicates potential issues with the cerebellum.

Question 24

What is essential tremor?

Answer 24

A common action tremor that usually begins in late adulthood and can be inherited

Affects one in twenty people and typically starts in the dominant hand.

Question 25

What medications can cause tremors as a side effect?

Answer 25

Stimulants, caffeine, asthma inhalers, some seizure medications, lithium, theophylline, and thyroid hormone ## Footnote Consult a physician before stopping any medication.

Question 26

What symptoms may indicate an overactive thyroid?

Answer 26

Constant feeling of being hot, weight loss, diarrhea, and palpitations ## Footnote Can exaggerate a physiologic tremor.

Question 27

What is the classic tremor associated with Parkinson's disease?

Answer 27

A resting tremor described as 'pill-rolling,' where the thumb moves in a circular motion against the index finger ## Footnote Other symptoms include rigidity, slow movements, and balance problems.

Question 28

What are signs of potential life-threatening conditions related to tremors?

Answer 28

Sudden onset of tremors, weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, or high fever ## Footnote May indicate severe electrolyte imbalances, strokes, or serious infections.

Question 29

What is myalgia?

Answer 29

The medical term for muscle pain ## Footnote Can arise from various causes, including overuse and autoimmune diseases.

Question 30

What is arthritis?

Answer 30

Inflammation or wear of joints, classified as noninflammatory or inflammatory ## Footnote Osteoarthritis is noninflammatory, while rheumatoid arthritis is inflammatory.

Question 31

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Answer 31

A condition where fingers or toes change color in response to cold or stress ## Footnote Affects blood vessel function and can be associated with autoimmune diseases.

Question 32

What is polymyalgia rheumatica?

Answer 32

A condition causing pain and stiffness in the shoulders and hips, usually in individuals over fifty ## Footnote Symptoms often improve with low-dose steroid treatment.

Question 33

What are common treatments for osteoarthritis?

Answer 33

Medicated creams, physical therapy, exercise, weight loss, NSAID pills, and possibly joint injections ## Footnote Joint replacement surgery may be considered for severe cases.

Question 34

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 34

Pain in multiple joints, stiffness in the morning, and possible systemic symptoms like fever and fatigue ## Footnote Often diagnosed in women aged forty to sixty.

Question 35

What should you do if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms after stopping alcohol?

Answer 35

Seek emergency medical attention for symptoms like hallucinations, confusion, or seizures ## Footnote Withdrawal can be life-threatening.

Question 36

What condition can cause joint pain and bloody diarrhea?

Answer 36

Celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease ## Footnote Joint pain may resolve with a gluten-free diet in celiac disease.

Question 37

What lifestyle changes can help manage joint pain from exercise?

Answer 37

Gradual increase in activity, stretching, icing, and resting affected joints ## Footnote NSAIDs may be used for pain relief.

Question 38

What condition is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulders and hips in individuals over fifty?

Answer 38

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) ## Footnote PMR usually occurs in a person’s seventies and is more common in women.

Question 39

What is a serious related condition that affects some individuals with PMR?

Answer 39

Temporal arteritis ## Footnote It can cause headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw pain, and blurred vision.

Question 40

What class of medication is commonly used to lower cholesterol?

Answer 40

Statins ## Footnote Popular statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor).

Question 41

True or False: Statin-related muscle pain occurs frequently in patients taking statins.

Answer 41

False ## Footnote Muscle pain occurs much less often than claimed by critics.

Question 42

What can increase blood levels of statins and potentially cause muscle pain?

Answer 42

Grapefruit juice ## Footnote Only if consumed in amounts greater than eight ounces per day.

Question 43

What antibiotic is associated with tendon irritation and rupture?

Answer 43

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) ## Footnote The risk is highest during exercise.

Question 44

What is the first sign of Lyme disease?

Answer 44

A rash that looks like a bull’s eye ## Footnote Surrounding a large red spot with normal skin in between.

Question 45

What condition can cause joint pain and skin lesions following unprotected sexual activity?

Answer 45

Gonorrhea ## Footnote It can spread to involve joints and skin, often without typical symptoms.

Question 46

What condition is characterized by widespread muscle pain and additional symptoms like fatigue and insomnia?

Answer 46

Fibromyalgia ## Footnote Symptoms may worsen with stress, exertion, poor sleep, and cold.

Question 47

What is a common treatment for gout attacks?

Answer 47

Pain relievers and steroids ## Footnote Medications like colchicine and allopurinol may also be prescribed.

Question 48

What can cause a sudden-onset painful, swollen joint?

Answer 48

Gout attack or bacterial infection ## Footnote A doctor may need to withdraw fluid from the joint for diagnosis.

Question 49

What is rhabdomyolysis?

Answer 49

A condition causing widespread muscle breakdown ## Footnote It can lead to dark red or brown urine and kidney failure.

Question 50

List some causes of rhabdomyolysis.

Answer 50

* Crush injuries * Prolonged immobilization * Excessive exercise * Seizures * Heat stroke * Certain medications * Alcohol * Drugs like cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines ## Footnote These factors can lead to muscle pain and swelling.