Sudden Pain in Arms and Legs? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX

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Sudden Pain in Arms and Legs? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Houston, TX

If you’ve been experiencing sudden, intense pain in your arms and legs along with constant tiredness, it’s understandable to feel worried and confused. When pain hits in waves and sometimes makes it hard to move, you naturally want to know if it’s serious and whether you should rush to see a doctor. You’re not alone in feeling this way, and it’s a good, responsible step to look for guidance on what to do next.

This post will help you understand the types of healthcare providers who can help with your symptoms, what kinds of tests or visits you might expect, and provide an idea of costs you might face in Houston, TX. Our goal is to guide you calmly and clearly so you can take informed next steps toward improving your health.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Houston, TX

When dealing with sudden pain in your arms and legs and ongoing fatigue, a few types of medical professionals can be good starting points. Based on your symptoms, the following providers in Houston, TX could help:

  • Family Practice Doctors: Generalists who diagnose and treat a broad range of health issues. They are often the first stop for new or unclear symptoms and can order initial tests or refer you to specialists.
  • Internal Medicine Doctors: Specialists in adult medicine who focus on diagnosing and managing complex or chronic conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
  • Neurologists: Doctors who specialize in conditions involving nerves and the brain, making them a go-to for pain that might involve nerve problems.
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialists: Experts in physical function and pain management, who can assess muscle and nerve function and help with rehabilitation.
  • Rheumatologists: Specialists in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that might cause joint and muscle pain.

Each of these providers can help uncover the cause of your pain and fatigue and guide you on treatment.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Understanding typical visits and their costs can help reduce anxiety around seeking care. Below are typical procedures for each provider type, including estimated self-pay costs in Houston, TX based on recent data.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A chance to discuss your symptoms, get a physical exam, and start the diagnostic process. This visit helps the doctor understand your condition and plan any needed tests or referrals.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $195.94 (typically ranges from $146.95 to $244.92)
    This estimate is based on 511 providers in the Houston area.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Measures your blood cells to check for infections, anemia, or other issues possibly causing fatigue or pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.11 (typically ranges from $9.08 to $15.14)
    Based on 55 providers.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive blood chemicals test (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: A group of blood tests assessing organ function and chemical balance that may pinpoint causes of your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.06 (typically ranges from $12.35 to $21.77)
    Based on 59 providers.

  • Procedure: Ultrasound study of arm and leg arteries (CPT Code: 93922)
    Purpose: Checks blood flow in your limbs to rule out circulation problems that might cause pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $130.18 (typically ranges from $97.63 to $162.72)
    Based on 17 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A detailed evaluation of your symptoms and medical history to identify or rule out complex causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $194.75 (ranges from $146.06 to $243.44)
    Based on 492 providers.

  • Procedure: Complete blood cell count (CBC) test (CPT Code: 85025)
    Purpose: Same as family practice — to look for infection or other blood-related issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $12.30 (ranges $9.11 to $15.49)
    Based on 42 providers.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive blood chemistry panel (CPT Code: 80053)
    Purpose: To review organ functions that may relate to your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $17.98 (ranges $12.40 to $23.56)
    Based on 42 providers.

  • Procedure: Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test (CPT Code: 84443)
    Purpose: Checks for thyroid problems which may cause fatigue and muscle pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $26.32 (ranges $19.74 to $32.90)
    Based on 35 providers.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Neurological exam focused on nerves and muscle function related to your pain and mobility issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $193.92 (ranges $145.44 to $242.40)
    Based on 149 providers.

  • Procedure: Needle measurement of electrical activity in arm or leg muscles, complete study (CPT Code: 95886)
    Purpose: Identifies nerve or muscle damage by measuring electrical signals — essential for diagnosing neurological causes of pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $143.14 (ranges $103.34 to $182.93)
    Based on 55 providers.

  • Procedure: Nerve conduction studies, 13 or more tests (CPT Code: 95913)
    Purpose: Measures how well nerves conduct electrical signals helping to find nerve injury or compression.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $462.36 (ranges $321.66 to $603.06)
    Based on 25 providers.

Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Assessment focusing on improving your strength, flexibility, and pain management.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $188.78 (ranges $141.59 to $235.98)
    Based on 47 providers.

  • Procedure: Needle measurement of electrical activity in arm or leg muscles, complete study (CPT Code: 95886)
    Purpose: Same as above — evaluates muscle and nerve health to guide treatment plans.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $137.81 (ranges $102.19 to $173.42)
    Based on 9 providers.

  • Procedure: Therapy using exercises to improve strength and flexibility, 15 minutes (CPT Code: 97110)
    Purpose: Helps rebuild muscle function and reduce pain through guided therapy.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $49.98 (ranges $30.96 to $69.00)
    Based on 2 providers.

Visit with a Rheumatologist

  • Procedure: Established patient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Evaluation for autoimmune or inflammatory causes behind your joint and muscle pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $196.06 (ranges $147.05 to $245.08)
    Based on 68 providers.

  • Procedure: C-reactive protein test (CPT Code: 86140)
    Purpose: Detects inflammation that might be causing your symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $11.74 (ranges $6.07 to $17.40)
    Based on 4 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of hand (minimum 3 views) (CPT Code: 73130)
    Purpose: Identifies joint damage or arthritis in your hands, which could be related to your pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $58.77 (ranges $44.08 to $73.46)
    Based on 2 providers.

Your health is important, and the best thing you can do is connect with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person. Here’s how to move forward confidently:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Reach out to a Family Practice doctor, Internist, or one of the specialists mentioned above (such as a Neurologist or Rheumatologist) based on your preferences or referrals.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when they started, how they change, and any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
  3. Discuss Costs Upfront: Confirm the provider’s charges when making the appointment so you can plan your finances. The cost estimates given here are based on typical self-pay rates in Houston but may vary by provider.
  4. Seek Reassurance: Remember, visiting a doctor is the right step toward understanding your health and getting relief. You’re taking control by asking the right questions and finding support.

Need Help Navigating Your Options?

Finding affordable, trustworthy care can be confusing, especially if you’re uninsured or new to the system. That’s why we built Transparent Health: a tool to help you understand your options and find the right provider for your needs.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience sudden, severe pain or other concerning symptoms, seek emergency care immediately. Always consult your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns regarding your health.