Aches and pains are a common occurrence, especially as you get older. But it can be hard to tell what's a normal sign of aging and what's worth seeing a doctor about.
Luckily, Dr. Cedrek McFadden, board-certified colorectal surgeon, stopped by TODAY on March 7 to share some telltale signs that you need to give your body more attention.
“Our bodies usually don’t create new symptoms without a reason," McFadden tells TODAY.com. “If pain is waking you up or stopping you from functioning, it likely isn’t just stress.”
Here are the types of physical discomfort that he wants everyone to pay more attention to.
Pain That Worsens After Warming Up
"Joint stiffness first thing in the morning is common as cartilage naturally thins with age," McFadden explains. "But pain that gets worse the more you move can signal inflammation, arthritis or true joint damage."
If your pain feels "sharp" is causing "clicking, locking or swelling" or limiting your ability to move, then it's not a normal sign of aging, he adds. Also, waking up in the middle of the night due to pain or pain lasting for weeks should be addressed by a doctor.
Still not sure if your pain is normal? "If warming up helps it, it’s usually age. If activity makes it worse, get evaluated," McFadden says.
Sudden Bathroom Changes
Aging can mean more frequent trips to the toilet, but "sudden urgency, burning, difficulty starting or weak stream are red flags," McFadden says. These can be signs of infections, kidney stones, prostate enlargement or other bladder issues.
And "blood in the urine is always a reason to call a doctor," he adds.
Essentially, getting up once in the night to urinate is normal, but if you experience any bathroom changes rapidly, then get cheked out.
Chest Tightness From Exertion or That Won't Fade
When chest tightness fades with rest, then that's usually a sign of aging, McFadden says. However, "pressure, tightness or discomfort brought on by walking, climbing stairs, or after meals can be something more," he adds.
Many people think chest pain needs to be "sharp" in order for it to be worth checking out, but tightness in the chest, neck, jack or upper back can also be signs of heart disease, as can heartburn-like symptoms.
"If the discomfort comes with exertion or won’t go away, it needs attention," McFadden explains.
Shortness of Breath After Normal Activity
"Mild breathlessness during intense workouts happens to everyone, but getting winded climbing a single flight of stairs, struggling to finish sentences, or waking up short of breath are red flags," McFadden says.
Why? It can indicate early heart failure, lung disease, anemia or blood clots, he explains. Also, if you have swelling in the ankles along with breathlessness, it can be a sign of heart issues.
If you're winded when at rest or from normal activity, "it's a clue," McFadden stresses.
Memory Slips That Become a Pattern
When forgetfulness is only sporadic, that's normal, McFadden says. We all lose our keys or blank on an acquaintance's name from time to time.
"But repeating questions, getting lost in familiar places or missing appointments repeatedly signal something more," namely mild cognitive impairment, which is important to catch early, he explains.
While cognitive symptoms benefit from reducing stress, improving sleep duration and quality, and going off certain medications, you should see a doctor if forgetfulness becomes a daily occurrence.
Changing Headaches
"Occasional tension headaches after a long day, dehydration or poor sleep are common," McFadden says. "Headaches that are new, more intense or showing up more often are worth paying attention to."
If you wake up with a headache, whether in the morning or the middle of the night, or you also have nausea, vision changes, weakness or confusion, those are "red flags," he adds.
"A sudden, severe headache that feels different from anything you’ve had before should never be ignored," McFadden continues. "Headaches that gradually worsen over weeks can be related to blood pressure issues, medication effects, sleep apnea, or neurologic conditions."
Bottom line: If your headaches are changing pattern and becoming more severe, or they interfere with your life, see a doctor.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
