May 15, 2025
Can Anemia Cause Body Aches? Understanding the Link to Muscle and Joint Pain
While most people think of anemia as just “low iron,” it can actually show up in surprising ways, including body aches, muscle cramps, and even joint pain.
Written by
Mito Team
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can anemia cause body aches?” or “Why am I getting random muscle spasms?”—you’re not alone. Let’s break down the connection between anemia and muscle pain, why it happens, and how to feel better.
What Is Anemia, and How Does It Affect Your Muscles?
Anemia happens when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to your tissues. Hemoglobin levels can change based on age and whether you’re male or female.
For men, normal levels are usually between 13.5 and 18.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL). For women, it’s a bit lower, ranging from 12.0 to 15.0 g/dL. Kids have a range too, which is between 11.0 and 16.0 g/dL. And if someone is pregnant, those levels can vary depending on the trimester, but they’re generally expected to be above 10.0 g/dL.
Without enough oxygen, your muscles and organs can’t function properly. Common symptoms of anemia include:
● Fatigue or weakness
● Shortness of breath
● Dizziness or lightheadedness
● Cold hands and feet
● Pale skin
● Body aches and muscle pain
And yes, low iron causes muscle spasms, cramps, joint pain, and even leg pain. These symptoms often go hand-in-hand with what many describe as low iron body aches or iron deficiency muscle spasms.
Anemia is a serious health issue. It affects young children, pregnant women, women who have just given birth, and menstruating adolescent girls and women. Around the world, about 40% of children between 6 and 59 months, 37% of pregnant women, and 30% of women aged 15 to 49 have anemia.
Why Anemia Causes Muscle and Joint Pain
Your muscles rely on a steady supply of oxygen to function. So, when anemia reduces the oxygen in your bloodstream, your muscles struggle to keep up. Here’s what happens:
Oxygen shortage: Your muscle cells don’t get the fuel they need.
Lactic acid builds up: It causes a burning sensation and painful cramps, similar to what happens during intense exercise.
Inflammation sets in: Prolonged low oxygen can lead to tissue damage and soreness, leading to anemia and joint pain symptoms.
Nerve-related pain: In some types of anemia, especially vitamin B12 deficiency, the nervous system is affected. This leads to numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation.
Iron Deficiency Anemia: The Most Common Culprit
Iron deficiency is the most widespread form of anemia. When you don’t have enough iron, your body struggles to make hemoglobin—the oxygen-carrying part of your red blood cells.
This can lead to:
● Fatigue
● Dizziness
● Cold hands and feet
● Pale skin
● Cramping, especially at night
● Restless legs syndrome (a known sign of iron deficiency)
Other Types of Anemia That Can Cause Pain
Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency Anemias
These affect both red blood cells and your nervous system. They may lead to:
● Tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness
● Muscle spasms or coordination problems
● Back pain caused by nerve damage
Sickle Cell Anemia
This genetic form of anemia causes red blood cells to become stiff and curved, blocking blood flow. It can result in:
● Severe, sudden muscle and joint pain (called pain crises)
● Chronic pain from tissue damage
● Rare muscle injuries like myonecrosis (muscle death due to poor circulation)
Anemia of Chronic Disease
Seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, and cancer. Chronic inflammation can worsen anemia symptoms and lead to widespread aches and pains.
How to Manage Anemia and Ease Muscle Pain
Here’s the good news: With the right steps, you can feel better, often within weeks. Here’s what helps:
1. Get Tested and Treated
First step? Bloodwork. Identifying what type of anemia you have is key. At Mito Health, we can run comprehensive panels to check your iron levels, vitamin B12, folate, and more.
2. Add Iron-Rich Foods to Your Diet
Boosting your iron intake helps your body restore red blood cells. It also reduces symptoms like iron deficiency, leg pain, and muscle spasms. Top iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, and seafood. Other sources of iron are beans, spinach, lentils, dried fruit, fortified cereals, and breads.
3. Support Nutrient Absorption
Pair iron with vitamin C, like citrus or tomatoes, for better absorption. Avoid tea, coffee, dairy, and chocolate with iron-rich meals as they can block absorption. Don’t forget B12 and folate found in eggs, dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods.
4. Supplement Wisely
Sometimes food isn’t enough. Your doctor may recommend Iron supplements (ferrous sulfate or gluconate), B12 (oral or injections), and Folate. Always follow a healthcare provider’s advice. Too much iron can be harmful, and self-diagnosing may delay real treatment.
Lifestyle Tips for Easing Anemia-Related Muscle Pain
Alongside treating the root cause, these strategies can bring relief:
● Warm baths or heating pads for sore muscles.
● Stretching or gentle yoga to ease stiffness.
● Stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen cramps.
● Move a little every day. Even a short walk helps.
● Rest and sleep to let your body rebuild.
● Massage or Epsom salt soaks for added comfort.
● Try anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, tart cherry juice, and leafy greens.
● Essential oils like lavender or peppermint diluted in water may offer some relief, too.
When to See a Doctor
Don’t ignore muscle pain that lasts more than a few days, especially if it comes with fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath. See your doctor when the pain worsens over time or becomes severe and involves numbness or tingling in your limbs.
Always get evaluated before starting supplements. Anemia can be a sign of an underlying condition, and it’s treatable once diagnosed.
Your Muscles Might Be Telling You Something
If you’re dealing with anemia and muscle pain, joint discomfort, or symptoms like low iron body aches, and muscle spasms, your body might be trying to tell you something. The link between oxygen, iron, and muscle health is strong, and understanding that connection is the first step to feeling like yourself again.
At Mito Health, we offer a comprehensive blood panel on over 100 biomarkers, including iron, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and more. Get functional health testing and personalized health insights that uncover nutrient deficiencies you may have and restore your energy from the inside out.