extreme weakness in legs / headache

[kimrowan]

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Hi, I'm a 20 year old female and I'm relatively healthy aside from suffering badly from anxiety and being slightly overweight. I have just recovered from bronchitis (just over a week ago) and still have a slight phlegmy cough. However over the past few days I have been feeling extreme weakness and mild pain in my legs, particularly my calves. They feel dull, achey and sometimes cramped. I also have this feeling in my arms, but only slightly. This is accompanied by headaches which are more to the back of my head which feels tight and has a full feeling. It's no better when I sleep and paracetemol doesn't really have any effect. Is this related or have you any ideas what this could be down to? Thanks!

[J T Junig, MD PhD]

At this point I would recommend following your body's signals and taking it easy for a few days, including the usuals-- plenty of fluids, plenty of rest.  This question is a bit off-topic for chronic pain, and you may want to check out an expert in a more acute illness category... but in general, vague aches and pains during the recuperation phase from viral illness are not uncommon, and are usually nothing to be overly concerned about.  I would certaitnly check myself for fever, as a fever will cause the symptoms you describe and could suggest the development of bacterial infection such as pneumonia.  

[J T Junig, MD PhD]

See prior answer

[kimrowan]

Also, my face and chest look red/pink and flushed