Re: Burning Pain

Posted By CCF Neurology MD - AY on September 09, 1998 at 15:39:19:

In Reply to: Burning Pain posted by libby on September 09, 1998 at 10:59:57:






I'm a 33 year old female in otherwise good health.  I've been repeatetly diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,(positive nerve conduction), and Trigger Finger. My Physician tells me that I don't have any other common cause of my symptoms. After suffering approx. four months, I opted to have a orthopedist/hand surgeon give me two cortisone injections, in my affected right hand. I noticed a intense pins and needles sensation when I was recieving the injections. I experienced tingling in my finger tips increased numbness shortly after the injections. That night I began having intense burning in my hands. The burning persisted for over two weeks. The burning wasn't static, but occured mostly in my middle fingers. After two weeks of the pain which included throbbing also, I went to see a second Orthopedist/hand surgeon. This second orthopedist did not examine me but told me that he did not believe I  ever had Carpal tunnel Syndrome. He told me that burning pain was not a symptom of CTS, and that if it did not respond to cortisone, than it could not be Cts.  He advised that I wait another week or so, and return to the Dr. that gave me the cortisone injections. It had been over three weeks and the burning/throbbing is no longer constant, nor is it as severe. I do feel,however, all the same symptoms I had before receiving the cortisone. I returned to my family Dr.
who assured me,again, I had CTS and asked if I would like to see another Orthopedist. I would like to know if the cortisone could have caused my symptoms. If so, is this something that is likely to resolve itself? Also, could a Neurologist be helpful? And finally, is acuncture safe? Im willing to try almost anything at this point,except another surgeon.




Thanks for your question.  It is possible for the sensory symptoms of CTS to
manifest as burning sensation, instead of the more common "tingling/pin&needles"
sensation.  The location in the third (middle) finger is fairly typical of
CTS.  CTS symptoms are usually exarcebated by frequent wrist movements, as
with prolonged manual labor, and it is also fairly common for symptoms to be
worse at night.  A good neurological examination of your wrists and hands
should provide further support for the diagnosis of CTS.  An EMG study that
includes both a Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) and a Needle Electromyographic
Exam (NEE), can be quite conclusive regarding the presence of CTS.
I hope this information is helpful.
This information is provided for general medical education.
Please contact your physician for medical evaluation and treatment.