Q and A

Question

Will my joint pain improve with treatment?

I’m HIV positive with a CD4 of 204 and undetectable VL my problem is I’m struggling with my joints now, I can’t even walk properly. It is paining. I’ve tried all the arthritis medications you can think of and it is not helping. This started before I took my ARVs and doctor told me the minute I start ARVs I will be much better. I’m taking tribuss.

Answer

Hello,

Thank-you for your question.

Joint pain is common in people with HIV, and can have many causes. HIV can cause a variety of conditions which could cause joint pain. These include peripheral neuropathy, arthritis and various rheumatic problems. These are more common at lower CD4 counts. Could you tell me what your CD4 count was when you were diagnosed?

If your joint pain is related to HIV it may improve while on treatment. This will not be instant and may take some time. How long have you been on treatment?

If your pain doesn’t improve it’s important to get a diagnosis. If the joint pain needs separate treatment it is important to know the cause. Your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist – a doctor who deals with joint problems.

Your doctor should be able to prescribe pain relief. Pain killers which reduce inflammation – like ibuprofen- may also help.

32 comments

  1. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Lulu,

    It’s good to hear that your CD4 count is strong. But you can ask the doctor about your pain. A side effect of early HIV meds was a painful tingling in feet and legs (peripheral neuropathy, PN). But this doesn’t happen with modern HIV meds. Getting older also means that bones become thinner (osteoporosis), and sometimes bones can fracture. You can read more about PN and osteoporosis in the guide to side effects and quality of life. Can you ask the doctor to find out what’s causing your pain?

  2. Lulu

    Hi, I was diagnosed with HIV in 2010 with a CD4 of 1. Now I’m on 938. My legs, feet and back are so paining. I sometimes feel as if the bone above my ankle is breaking. Sometimes walking is a problem, and at times I feel like my legs are do cold inside. Turning in the bed is a mission. I’m always tired

  3. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Millicent,

    The pain in your legs could be due to a number of things, therefore you should talk to your doctor about this.

  4. millicent

    im pregnant and its been 3 months since i have been taking altroiza and my bone legs are always painful and i sometimes feel week.whats the problem or will i get any better

  5. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Donald,

    Given that you’re having problems with your bones, it may be wise to get rid of the tenofovir from your combination. Depending on where you live globally, there are other options available. These will be newer drugs, and ones that should have less side effects. Has anything specific been recommended to you?

    If you want more info on bone health, please see here:

    http://i-base.info/guides/side/bone-mineral-changes

  6. Donald

    hello Lisa

    I’m taking FTC/TDF/EFC

    last week I went for MRI report for my x ray ( the only outstanding from the report was that- mild sclerosis and likely changes of aruscular necrosis)

  7. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Donald,

    What meds are you currently taking? What others has your doctor suggested?

  8. Donald

    hello
    I’m a 44yrs old male
    my CD4 Count is 334
    Vl undectated been on treatment since 2006.Its two years now been experiencing hip discomfort and the pain at times goes to my knee.
    I can’t run or jump as I used to,its frustrating.
    I’ve been to a physiotherapists,accupaturist and taking brufen pills hoping the pain would go away.
    now my doctor suggests to change the arv regiment which makes me scared.i might have more more side effects.
    Also the authopetians suggested the same which might,
    my question: is this a good decision or is there any other way without changing the regiment.

  9. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Mike,

    Like I’ve said you need to be patient. Yes this is frustrating, but its what you’re going to need to do. You may also want to give the forums a miss. Try and relax.

  10. Mike

    Hello,

    Me again, so I’ve been on the odyssey now for two weeks after stoping the atripla that I took for one month after I was diagnosed in February. I thought that I would have my energy level back but I’m still always really tired. Also for the last week my right knee has been really hurting.

    Every forum I’ve gone to and even my doctor keeps saying I’m going to feel better but when should I feel better? I’m 29 and exhausted. I keep reading and being told that I’ll feel myself again but it’s just not happening. A few months ago I would be doing a bunch of things and now it’s 6pm and I’m exhausted.

    What can I do to get better? I don’t mind taking the medication but I expected to be better now.

    Thanks

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