EXTREMITY PAIN
A variety of medical conditions fall under the umbrella of extremity pain. A few include Achilles tendonitis, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, and phantom limb pain.
Achilles tendonitis is uncommon in the general population but affects at least 6% of athletes. Peripheral neuropathy among diabetics occurs in around 47% of patients. About 10% of the popular may suffer from plantar fasciitis, while phantom limb pain occurs in approximately 41% of cases after amputation of an extremity. All of these problems affect the extremities and can create moderate to severe pain. Finding the source of the problem and getting treatment is the key to ending extremity pain.
Extremities are the appendages and limbs of the human body, including feet, hands, arms, and legs. Some forms of extremity pain start suddenly, while others grow over time, based on aging and wear and tear of the body.
Extremity pain can be called upper or lower. Upper extremity pain occurs in the hands, shoulders, wrists, and arms. Lower extremity pain occurs in the feet, ankles, and legs.
There are many risk factors associated with extremity pain. A few of the most common causes of this type of pain include the following:
- Arthritis
- Bone fracture injuries
- Bursitis
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Diabetes
- Fractures
- Infection
- Ligament tears
- Myofascial (muscle connective tissue) pain
- Muscle cramps, spasms, strain, tears, and tension
- Overuse
- Poor posture
- Repetitive motion
- injuries (improper use)
- Sciatica
- Tendonitis
- Trauma
- Vascular damage
The symptoms of extremity can vary based on the type. With lower pain, body position is often something to be aware of. Individuals might feel better in one position than another. Certain activities can also cause the pain to lessen or become worse. However, in some situations, there may be no cause readily apparent for the pain.
For upper pain, the most common source is the cause. The more a repetitive motion is done, the more stress there is on the body. When the motion is made more frequently, this increases the chance of experiencing pain or an injury. Most of the common overuse injuries are associated with the wrists and shoulders.
On the other hand, some forms of extremity pain can originate from another problem in a different section of the human body, such as the spine or neck, but feel the pain in the arm or leg instead.
Some people will experience pain relief through massage therapy or lifestyle modifications. If the less invasive options do not work, a physician may recommend other treatment options. This might include nerve blocks, pain injections, or other interventions to get a patient back to their best. Tests and imaging may be done to take a better look at the area experiencing pain.
Modern Pain Consultants will work with you to find out what is causing your extremity pain. We’ll then create an individualized treatment plan depending on your injury or illness and your needs. This will help alleviate extremity pain so you can go back to life as normal.
For upper pain, the most common source is the cause. The more a repetitive motion is done, the more stress there is on the body. When the motion is made more frequently, this increases the chance of experiencing pain or an injury. Most of the common overuse injuries are associated with the wrists and shoulders.
On the other hand, some forms of extremity pain can originate from another problem in a different section of the human body, such as the spine or neck, but feel the pain in the arm or leg instead.