Stabbing, highly localized, severe pain

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IhavePLS

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Joined
Apr 17, 2011
Messages
279
Reason
DX UMND/PLS
Diagnosis
12/2010
Country
US
State
Pennsylvania
City
SW
Hi all,

Recently developed a new symptom -- one that is very painful. Whether it's related to PLS (not everything is!), I don't know.

I've begun to experience severe pain in my hands and feet. It's not widespread pain, but highly localized, as if someone just stuck an icepick through some part of my hand or foot. The pain is incredible, it is not pain that someone could tolerate for more than several seconds at most (yes, THAT kind of pain). And again, it is highly localized -- the area is usually no larger than the size of a dime or a quarter. And the location on the hand or foot is seemingly random -- not usually in the same place.

My neuro asked me to see a rheumatologist, which I did (parenthetically, just how would medicine survive without its heralded and multifaceted specialist referrals?). I have polyarthralgia (osteo, not rheumatoid), but don't know if osteoarthritis "acts out" in this way. Maybe this is some form of cramping (a sensation that is very different - and even more painful - than spasms), I don't know. Can happen in any part of the feet or hand.

I'm beginning to wonder if this isn't some form of neuropathy (which I really don't need now). My hands do burn and feel tingly at times. But the pain described above is different than this -- it is stabbing. And always with sudden onset.

Any thoughts (sorry for rambling)?

P.S. I'm so sick of seeing specialists -- medicine-at-large is so compartmentalized that one specialist sees one thing, but altogether misses (or fails to address) another. So many docs don't really hear.
 
Mike,
When my spasticity is real bad, and I have been working a part of my body real hard doing something, I get small areas of a stabbing pain that don’t last for that long. Like when I’m driving a long distance I’ll get them in my hands, it usually happens close to Baclofen feeding time. Take the Baclofen and give it time to kick in and the problem goes away. Before all this started and I ran a lot, would read in the books about running and the magazine Runners World about micro tears in the leg muscles and I wonder if that is what I’m experiencing. The muscles are so tight and knotted that they develop small tears or pulls. I’m going with that as an excuse; it saves the doctor the trouble of looking at me crossed eye again and me feeling like a nut.

Mike
 
Hi all,
P.S. I'm so sick of seeing specialists -- medicine-at-large is so compartmentalized that one specialist sees one thing, but altogether misses (or fails to address) another. So many docs don't really hear.

I feel you on this issue...the medical profession has become too specialized! There is a doc for every part of the body, I think it is part of the problem regarding not being able to afford health care. Primary care is merely a means to guide you to the specialists. I THINK IT SUCKS.
I experienced a good example of it, recently I started having blurred vision in my right eye. So I get referred to an ophthalmologist. He saw me 3 times, and referred me to a corneal specialist, who was able to come up with a treatable diagnosis. I think something as small as an eyeball could be mastered by one doctor. By the time this got resolved, it was 2000.00 for office exams and testing (out of pocket was 400.00). My point is that medical care could be more consolidated and efficient.
 
>My point is that medical care could be more consolidated and efficient.

dreamer.
 
Here's one... I think it is PLS related. How can I word this... as this as moved up my legs and into my trunk (shoulders and arms too), before, if I was using a men's urinal and I was in a hurry I could make whatever muscles down there kinda speed things up. Force the stream I guess I'm trying to say. Can't do that anymore. Everything still works but as it wants to work - drain - (sorry).

Think I'm going to mention that at my next Neuro appointment? Nope!

As long as it works, as it works and the job gets done... again, nope! I'd bet the Neuro would refer me to a Uro who could then refer me to an Ortho (spine) and then end up right back to the Neuro.

So, my cure for now? It takes as long as it takes. ITALAIT
 
>ITALAIT

be thankful for gravity :)
 
I definitely get that sudden shock-like pain--takes your breath away for a minute! I imagine it feels like what a hive of wasps stinging you all at once on a very small part of your body would feel like! I've mentioned it to a few doctors, but they ignore that. I've also read and been told that PLS patients don't have pain as a symptom. Right.....
 
Hi mike.
Sounds like it could be the tendons....I get sharp stabbing pain in my palms if used hands too much and are stiff,pretty sure I have had them in sole of feet also. Especially my left hand were I have a bit of atrophy I find it hard to stretch it out as the tendon running from middle of palm feels like it has shortened. Tendons are effected by spasticity. If like you say a fleeting stabbing pain it sounds like it could be this.
I have osteo arthritis and know that it would not cause such pain....osteo unlike rheumatoid tends to be isolated to specific areas.
 
I sometimes get that sort of stabbing pain you described in my thighs. but not often. I've lost quite a bit of bulk there as well, and the muscles feel stringy.
 
Hi all, thanks as always for your responses!

Caroline, I believe you're right about this! Very painful -- just glad it never lasts all too long. Nice to "see" you, by the way! :)

Al, I have urinary problems now as well -- and not due to prostatic enlargement. Just neurological. I know exactly what you mean. Tamsulosin and myrbetriq help (although a new consultation would be in order in your case, Al).... :)

Mike
 
Yep.....know that feeling all to well. I think it comes from BOTH places as stated above. First, I often get a neuropathy related sensation that is very local and hurts like crazy. Although the feeling is actually more intense I call them bee stings because that's how local they are. Next there is the spasm deal I get thankfully not as often. Quite often though it feels as if someone has driven a nail right through my knee (or elsewhere). Again hurts like crazy. Have to take diazepam to get relief. Just my two bits.
 
Hi Port,

Occasionally, I also feel the "bee sting" sensations in my hands and feet. But, to your point, this is different -- as if a nail is being driven into a very specific spot in my arms, hands, or feet. Happens infrequently, but even THAT is enough to put me on edge. :)

I think Caroline is right that the pain is caused by micro tears in the tendons (ligaments, too). There is always a fundamental soreness that seems to follow that horrific pain.

Mike
 
Correct about the lingering pain......just hangs on afterwards.
 
Yep, i get the same sharp pains. They use to be just in my hands and feet, but now i get a stray one every so often on legs or arms, usually by a joint such as knee or shoulders. Not directly on the joint, but the tendons that attach to them. Very painful. Not much to do for it.
 
Hi Joyce, I'm most getting these in my hands and feet, but also in my forearms and occasionally in the legs. It's sporadic, too. Ugh!
 
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