Differential Diagnoses for Worsening Diffuse Muscle Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Fibromyalgia: A common condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and tender points. It is often associated with sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression, making it a likely diagnosis for diffuse muscle pain.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to muscle pain, fatigue, and stiffness. It's a common endocrine disorder that can cause diffuse muscle pain.
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica: An inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, typically in the shoulders, hips, and neck. It's more common in older adults and can be associated with giant cell arteritis.
- Vitamin D Deficiency: A condition where low levels of vitamin D can cause muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue. It's a common nutritional deficiency, especially in individuals with limited sun exposure or inadequate dietary intake.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A condition characterized by persistent fatigue, muscle pain, and sleep disturbances. It's a complex disorder with unknown etiology, but it's often associated with immune system dysfunction.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, which can cause muscle pain, fever, and fatigue. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as arthritis and neurological problems.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints and muscles. If not treated promptly, it can lead to joint damage and disability.
- Multiple Myeloma: A type of blood cancer that can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and weakness. It's a rare but serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- HIV/AIDS: A viral infection that can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and weight loss. If left untreated, it can lead to serious opportunistic infections and death.
Rare Diagnoses
- Dermatomyositis: An autoimmune disorder that causes muscle inflammation and skin rash. It's a rare condition that can be associated with underlying malignancies.
- Polymyositis: An inflammatory condition that causes muscle weakness and pain. It's a rare condition that can be associated with autoimmune disorders or viral infections.
- Mitochondrial Myopathies: A group of rare genetic disorders that affect the mitochondria, leading to muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of rare genetic disorders that affect the connective tissue, leading to muscle pain, joint hypermobility, and skin hyperextensibility.