Pain and Anxiety

I've had anxiety for just going on over 6 or 7 weeks, atleast that I know of and have noticed. I went into my local urgent care about 5 weeks ago for sore ribs etc, I was told it was Costochondritis and from all of my "research" online, it definitely seems to be that, the last 4 weeks ive been getting pains in my elbows and forearms, I read somewhere that anxiety can cause pain. but has anyone ever had pain in both elbows and into the forearms and hands? Arthritis runs in my family, maybe its that, I just wanted to see if anyone else went through this. thanks!

Hi Mel

Anxiety can cause all sorts of symptoms both physical and mental so work at reducing your anxiety and you may find your pain decreases.

I have a chronic pain condition and know that if my anxiety is bad that my pain levels will also be bad as anxiety makes you very in tune with any pain in your body.

Hibee

It's not surprising if you think about it. When your anxious, adrenaline will start building up in your system, preparing your muscles for action. This most likely makes you tense up unconsciously.

Experiment - get something small and soft (like a stress ball). Squeeze it and keep holding it tight for as long as you can. Eventually, the muscles in your hand and forearm will ache like crazy. You can't stay tense forever, hence the pain.