Discussion Post
A 23-year-old female college student presents to student health service with a 2-week history of "aches and pains." She has noticed stiffness in the morning lasting approximately 1 hour and affecting her hands, feet, ankles, and shoulders. She notes that 3 days ago she had some shaking chills and a fever. She is sexually active. Her sexual partner uses condoms.
CC: "I am very tired out from these aches and pains. What is wrong with me?"
Physical exam demonstrates tenderness in multiple joints. Specifically, tenderness is noted in several extra-articular locations, consistent with bursitis and tenosynovitis. Her right knee is swollen and warm with a large effusion. All other joints demonstrate full range of motion with no evidence of effusion, joint swelling, or deformity.
Questions:
• List at least 3 differential diagnoses.
• How would you distinguish whether this patient had myalgias, arthralgias, arthritis, bursitis, or tenosynovitis? Define and review these terms.
• How would you manage this patient? What health promotion strategies are especially important for this patient at this point in time and WHY?
• What complementary therapies might be effective for this patient? Always support with evidence from the literature.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.