Red And Swollen Arms, BP Elevated Due To Strenuous Exercise. Liver Enzymes Elevated, Hyperthyroid. Need Opinion

Posted on Sat, 23 Jun 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 Answered on

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Our daughter is white, healthy, doesn't smoke, drinks rarely, 40 yrs. old, slim, 5'3 1/2" tall. During the last year she has gone on what we consider to be an exercise "kick" -- half marathons, for instance. She exercises strenuously in one way or another every day after working in an office. A few days ago her arms turned red and became swollen. Her BP is elevated. Her physician has ROd heart and thyroid problem (she has had episodes of hyperthryroidism -- probably stress related) and cellulitis. Her liver enzymes are elevated. A full liver work-up is now scheduled. Her mother and I are both taller than average, slim, not athletic. Other internet research has us leaning toward excessive exercise. Your opinion?

Answered by Dr. Ketan Vagholkar (6 hours later)

Hi,
Thank You for writing in.
From your description there does not seem to be any intrinsic organic cause for her symptoms.
The only cause could be strenuous physical activity. This can lead to severe protein breakdown and thereby affect the functioning of the kidneys and liver. These organs are unable to metabolise the toxins produced by excessive muscle breakdown. Therefore there is a increase in the various enzyme levels.
The redness and swelling may not be due to cellulitis but due to episodes of XXXXXXX venous thrombosis which is known to be associated with unaccustomed strenuous muscular activity.
Taking into consideration her age , she now needs to restrict her exercising activity to a bare minimum and then monitor the response of various enzymes to it.
The bouts of hyperthyroidism will also respond to rest.
I hope this answers your query.
You can write back if you have any further doubts.
With regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli