Is this peripheral neuropathy?

Hi,

I've been having pain and tingling in both hands/arms - it's mainly the hands and forearms, though my shoulders sometimes ache. The pains/tingling are mainly around the ulnar nerve (last two fingers and u to the elbow), but I also get pain and tingling in the radial nerve  (thumb and first few fingers). The symptoms are definitely worse in some positions (ie arm out straight, flexing the wrist) in both arms. To complicate matters, I've also been getting pains in my heels/feet and tingling in the toes sometimes, but it's much less severe and doesn't seem to be brought on by a particular position.

This started at the beginning of December, along with some other symptoms which have been improving (cold feet often, sometimes leg swelling, a feeling that my right leg isn't responding correctly when walking sometimes). I've seen my doctor who says it isn't peripheral neuropathy since the pain comes and goes and told me to take pain killers - he did do some blood tests (not sure what other than diabetes) and checked pulses in my feet. I've also been seeing a physiotherapist for about 3 weeks now, but the pains and range of movement before I get pain/tingling have got worse.

Any suggestions? Should I hope the physio works or should I persuade my doctor to refer my to a neurologist or for other tests? Is this some sort of peripheral neuropathy or do I have trapped nerves?

Thanks

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

The possibility of peripheral neuropathy cannot be ruled out completely because your symptoms are so characteristic. It will help us to know if you have a positive history of smoking. Peripheral vascular diseases are common in smokers and can cause tingling numbness, heaviness, and swelling of limbs.
The possibility of nerve impingement also should be ruled out by X ray or CT scan of the spine. It is best advised that you see a neurologist.
Good luck!

[lcjackso]

Thanks. No I'm not a smoker and never have been. I have got thyroid problems and was hypothyroid for a while last year (around September to November time), however my thyroid levels in December (2 weeks after this started) and February were fine. I did wonder if this could be caused by that and be taking a long time to sort itself out, but some of the symptoms seem to be getting worse.

This is all complicated by the fact that I've had stomach problems (acid reflux and problems swallowing food) for the past year. My doctor tested for various autoimmune diseases because of all this and there was a positive test for one of them. I understand that there often are false positives for this test and my doctor did some other tests (xray of chest and spirometry both of which were fine) which he says rules it out. I'm inclined to trust this judgement since my swallowing has been improving and (I believe) is caused by the reflux, but it does feel like lots of strange things are happening at once :(

[SincerelySue]

I too am in so much pain!  My left shoulder and left arm are my worse.  The muscles in both of my arms though are VERY weak and the muscles in both of my shoulders have seemed too disappear completely, leaving only bone.  My hips and knees bother me alot now too.  I am in constant pain and had to quit working this past December 2008 because I couldn't even sit at my desk for long periods of time!  With the medications that I'm taking for what I've been told that I have... fibromyalgia, a couple of types of arthritis and I've also had epilepsy for years now; I need to take atleast 2 naps a day!  And with the pain that I have that isn't easy.  I have to use a heating pad to soothe the aches cuz at the moment I don't have any health insurance and can only take over the counter pain pills.  I have no choice though but to spend the money on my epilepsy medication and thank God that helps put me to sleep a bit.  Before I left work I also was told through blood drawn, that I have an autoimmune disease by a neurologist, but he wasn't sure which one I had and he wanted me to come back for more tests once I had insurance.  That was 3 months ago now.... I'm still waiting to hear from the MassHealth people!!!  Please say a prayer for me... I'm only 51 and in alot of pain!  Thank you. SincerelySue

[jenwood]

I'm new to the forum because I too had been dealing with symptoms that match yours.  Not all, but some.

I started my search for help in October 2008 and just now making progress.  

After blood work which was normal, I had MRI's that showed several bulging disks in L 3,4,5 with pinched S1 nerve, I believe and a EMG nerve test, which proved to be abnormal.  

My symptoms were;
leg pain - throbbing, stinging, burning, hot/cold feet, tingling, pins/needles type feelings, ache, muscle weakness all over,
and a strange sensation of "rocks in my socks" feeling.  Sleeping at night time was interrupted with leg ache and muscle discomfort just above my knees and stinging bottoms of my feet.

Doctors thought I may have a few things going on.
RLS - Restless Leg Syndrome - taking Requip

Requip has been very helpful for me sleeping at night and I no longer have that sensation that I need to move my legs for relief of discomfort.

Started physical therapy on my back.  Had back pain years ago really bad, but after a few months, is went almost numby feeling and that's when pain started in my legs.  Doctors think I went too long with back pain, which then worked it's way to my legs.

Therapy makes my muscles feel stronger and I feel better.

Also just had a epidural steroid injection in the lumber region, which has helped with the pins/needle feeling in legs and feet.  It's only been a few days since the shot, so I hope it last.

Overall, I'm feeling much better with the therapy, requip medication and steroid shots.  The pain is 90% better!

I hope that you find answers!  I know what it's like not knowing why you feel this way and what's causing it.

Best to you.

[Dalubaba]

I am having sensation of tightness in the soles of my feet and mild numbness in both the legs.No diagnosis  could be arrived at.I am non-diabetic,no b12 deficiency, no iron deficiencey and neurological physical examination shows all reflexes normal. It is now three years i am suffering .
One web article suggests that piriformis muscle surrounding the sciatica nerve can create similar symptoms. now I am tryin massage of this muscle with a tennis ball. I massage the Hip muscle(muscle under hip pocket). Any one has similar problem? I smoked for 50 years(stopped since last 3yrs) and I sit for hours reading. Thise two fadtors do damabe piriformis muscle.

[lcjackso]

Thanks for the comments

The theory at the moment from my physiotherapist and doctor is that there is 'neural tension' - ie muscles (particularly in my neck which are very tight) are compressing the nerves. When the physio twists  my arms in certain positions it triggers pain and tingling in the fingers. She's given me exercises to do which haven't really done anything, but some neck massage/stretching definitely seems to help.

Has anyone here had anything similar and have any suggestions?

[Dalubaba]

Twisting certain area to generate your symmptoms, proves that your physio has arrived at the right diagnosis.This is a probably a trigger therapy.i understnd that if you follow her exercises, you will get results in due couse of time.Congrats.

[Dalubaba]

my accupressure practioner tried to pass current through sciatica nerve near my knees.He observed that because of swelling the current is not passing smoothly. I searched for a drug which is anti-imflamaory and which reduces swelling. serrato-peptidase- an enzyme which is anti inflamatory, reduces pain and swelling. I am taking it since 10 days. I am not sure whether it is helping me. Anybody who has used this durg and knowe the effect of the drug? AS it is a chronic problem I will have to take for a long period of time. Hence i nedd correct guidance who knows this drug well. thanks..

[knightrider]

I just found this forum.Sounds like I have the same.My feet and hands get cold,Tingling,feels like pins and needle and  both feet and hands feel num at times.It feeling like it slowly moving upward to my knees.The question I have,is there a cure?
How can U stop the progress for it's advancement?