Ask a doctor on the topic of Dermatology

Soft tissue swelling, sensation of heat, and itching

August 26, 2012 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Hello,
for some time now, my wife has been suffering from various irregular soft tissue swellings (muscle swellings??), for example after pressure when carrying medium-weight loads or even just when riding a motorcycle. The swellings are accompanied by slight redness, a sensation of heat in the corresponding region and itching, which can be quite intense at times.
She is 55 years old, slightly overweight, otherwise physically very active and healthy. Menopause is almost completely over.
Unfortunately, I can't easily persuade her to see a doctor, so my question is, what these symptoms could mean, or what could be causing them.
Then I should be able to easily visit a specialist with her.
Best regards

Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Good day,

it is likely a muscle / soft tissue disease. Here I would advise you to see a rheumatologist, who will perform appropriate blood tests for autoantibodies (ANA, ENA) and also muscle proteins, kidney values, liver values.

There is no acute need for action, but it should be clarified and then treated specifically.

I would be happy to provide you with more detailed information if you have any questions.

All the best and a speedy recovery.

Sincerely,
Yours
Dr. K. Hamann