I get total joint pain and swelling of hands when exposed to allergens. Also experience incapaciating fatigue - can't move. Is this common with allergic reactions?
thank you
Q: iS JOINT PAIN AN ALLERGIC REACTION
Answers (3)
5/10/08 3:49pm
Hi BW,
Your question is very difficult to answer without having more information. What is your age? How soon do your symptoms begin after exposure? What are the specific triggers (food, drug, beverage, contact ant...)? When did this start? Is there a pattern (certain time of day or night or year)? How long does the swelling last? Is it confined to the joints? Is there a family history of this problem? Have you had fever or sweats? Is there a family history of Lupus or other rheumatoid diseases? Do you get hives also?
The above questions are a sampling of what would be asked if you presented to my office.
Allergic reactions from outdoor and indoor aeroallergens are not associated with joint pain and swelling. Some forms of urticaria and angioedema (hives and swelling) may be associated with pain (but usually not confined to the joints). A reaction to some drugs may cause a problem called serum sickness syndrome (SSS). This may occur several days after starting an antibiotic or other drug. All the symptoms you described may occur in SSS but often hives are included.
Fatigue is not uncommon with severe sinus allergy and asthma but incapacitation is unusual.
Some infections may be associated with the symptoms you are having.
You should have a full work up by your primary doctor. A specialist should be considered if the diagnosis is unclear. Certain blood test should be ordered after your evaluation to look for signs of infection, allergic reaction or a rheumatoid problem (depending on your medical history and physical exam). A pregnancy test would also be considered based on your age and history.
Get Checked!
J. Thompson, MD
5/20/08 4:19pm
Yes, most definitely this is an allergic reaction. Your comments also raise some concerns about potential auto-immune issues. Stay away from the things which cause this reaction and get some professional advice and perhaps products to build your immune system back up.
8/ 1/10 11:55pm
I have pretty much the exact same problem! I have been trying to figure out what it is. It has gotten so bad that I got tested for lupus, RA, thyroid disease, Celiac, etc. and thankfully all the tests came back negative so I am still looking for a cause.
I have food and environmental allergies. I take Allegra and Singulair. I have been on allergy shots for about 18 months. In that time I have gained about 25 pounds, have had increasing fatigue (which is now affecting my quality of life), muscle and joint pain that is horrible (knees, hips and fingers). As I type this my fingers are aching so bad I can barely type and bend them.
I have found that when my allergy shots get to a point that the amount I am injecting is a lot of serum my joint and muscle aches are worse.
Headed to a new allergist in a few weeks to see if I should just stop the shots and/or get on new medicine. I am at the end of my rope trying to figure this out but it has gotten so bad that I have to keep trying. Glad to know I am not alone.
1/23/11 11:51pm
I have joint pain that I know is a reaction to the foods I eat. Nightshades, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, etc., do cause the worst problems. I was tested for each of these foods and was allergic to each of them. But, other foods cause the joint pain and swelling also. Garlic, wheat, and black pepper are big offenders. Watermelon also causes the same reaction. But, if I stay away from all the foods I am allergic to, I am so much better. Staying on a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of fish, chicken and beef that I am not allergic to is difficult. But, I've reached a point where the pain is so severe when I cheat, it isn't worth cheating. Good luck to you. Try a very strict diet avoiding the foods you have tested positive to and I think you will be amazed at the difference.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
am 27 years male am having an allergic in many part of my body and been experienced for 2 days now am having joint pain and also swollen in hand and leg joint and also have pain in heel area while walking and used to have fever also.
This normally starts in jun -jul for approximately 3 years , but time is little serious than before