Hi, may I answer your health queries right now ?  Please type your query here...In JanuaryI chipped a lot of ice on my driveway.  abouta week or two later I experienced stiffnes and painin my hands, and also the inside of my uppershoulders.  A recent blood test revealed anelevated ESR level.  Could this be attributed tothe heavy use of my hands and shoulders inchipping the ice?
Hello and welcome to Chat Doctor, Elevated ESR is not associated with use of hands and shoulders while chipping ice. ESR is elevated due to chronic inflammation in body like tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic heart disease, multiple myeloma, polycythemia etc. ESR does not indicate any disease, but it is an indication of an underlying disease process. As the underlying disease improves, ESR starts improving. Thanks and take care Chat Doctor.